Lester Van Buren Duncan III

Lester Van Buren Duncan III, 82, of Hixson Tennessee passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2025 with his children and beloved dogs by his side. Les was a loving husband, father, Daddad, uncle, dedicated Tennessee Volunteer fan and supporter, and friend to all who knew him. Les had a generous heart and was a dedicated caretaker to his parents and aunts, and a steadfast champion for his wife, lovingly supporting her through her battle with ALS.

Les was christened in the Presbyterian Church, however he became a Baptist after marriage and followed Red Bank Baptist Church. He was a 1960 graduate of City High School, continuing on to graduate from the University of Chattanooga in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, while achieving the rank of a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserves. After college, Les enlisted in active duty where he served two years, spending a year and a half overseas in Germany. Upon returning he continued his military service in the Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Captain prior to his honorable discharge.

In 1969 he began his 35 year career at Provident Life Insurance, where he retired as a Chief Underwriter. In 1974, he met, got engaged and married the love of his life, Joan. The next 43 years were spent providing love, support, and guidance to their two children, grandchildren, and family. Les was a loving pet owner to many special family dogs. Les had a servant’s heart, and was a loyal donator to multiple charities. He was dedicated to the Hixson community, where he spent years supporting his children through numerous sporting events and coaching multiple recreation and all-star softball and baseball teams. He volunteered over ten years as the official score keeper and statistician for the Hixson High Baseball team and was a loyal supporter of Wildcat football by running the game scoreboard, painting the football field and maintaining the Hixson Community Stadium.

Les was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Duncan; parents, Marian Mills Duncan and Lester Van Buren Duncan Jr.; and aunts, Sarah (Arthur) Lawson and Bird (Russell Sr.) Johnson. Survivors include children, Kendal (Jim) Helms and Andrew (Hailey) Duncan; grandchildren, Piper, Zac, Zoe, Taylor (Malachi), and Malakai; great grandchild, Koa; cousins, Kitty Siegel and Rusty (Janet) Johnson; and many brother and sister in laws and nieces and nephews. Les is also survived by his best friend, CE Wright.

Les was a loyal supporter of many charities. To honor his servant heart, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude, the ALS Association, http://www.alsa.org , or any animal charity of your choosing.

A visitation will be held on Thursday March 6, 2025 from 2-8pm & on Friday March 7, 2025 from 10am-12pm, with the funeral service following at noon at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel. Interment to follow at Beulah Chapel Cemetery in Ider, Alabama.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com