Frank Duncan

Frank Duncan

Frank Duncan, 80, of Unionville, MO died early Saturday morning, February 21st, 2009.

Francis Lee Duncan was born July 25, 1928 the only son of George Albert and Myrtle Alice (Smith) Duncan, who preceded him in death. On January 3, 1955, he married Nancy Naomi Neighbors in Lancaster, MO, and he grieved her death, which occurred July 30, 2008, until his own.

To the union of Frank and Nancy, six children were born: Cathy (Butch) Langley of Bluejacket, OK, Pat (John) Cook of Duncan, OK, Tommy Duncan of Unionville, MO, Mary “Frank” (Nate ) Beyene of Norwalk, IA, Glen Duncan of Mansfield, GA, George (Stefanie) Duncan of Brookfield, MO. Surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren are: Jerad and Shanda Langley and Kenzi of Bluejacket, OK and Clayton and Haylee Still of Vinita, OK; Bryce and Traci Langley, Coleman and Kayci of Claremore, OK; Preston and Christy Duncan, Samuel, Paige and Sophy of Great Bend, KS; Tia and Les Beardslee, Trey, Tyler, Michael, Brett and Deanna of Herington, KS; Nathan Hayes of Larned, KS; Jedediah and Keziah Cook of Duncan, OK; Amber Lange of Wichita, KS; Andi, Abby, Derrick, Dylan and Dalton Duncan of Larned, KS and Tristen and Alexandria Duncan of Brookfield, MO.

Frankie engaged in a variety of jobs and businesses throughout his life. In his early years, he and his family were an important part of Lucerne trading, via Duncan and Son Grocery and Hardware. In addition to this he built ammunition boxes, county bridges, and strong children.

Frankie spent most of his life in Lucerne and Unionville. He lived his last months at the LaPlata Nursing Home, where he was cared for compassionately by the staff and longtime family friends Amy Byrn, Joan Chegwidden and Mitzy Crowdis.

Frankie was proud to serve his country in the Korean War as a Forward Observer and part of the 7th Infantry Division, among others. When is services ended he wrote his mother a four page letter, one word to a page, which read I AM COMING HOME.

In addition to his children, Frankie is survived by his cousins: Thomas (Maxine) Duncan, Jr. of Unionville, MO; Willa Jane Smith of Chillicothe; and the Canaan sisters: Donna, Mary Lou, JoAnn, Betty Jane and Wanda Rae. His sisters-in-law: Judy (Jack) Radtke, Beverly (Gary) Staggs, Linda (Monroe) Adams and Lois Natiello.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 with funeral service following. Interment with a military service was held at the Lucerne Cemetery. Services under the direction of Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home.