Virgil A. “Pete” Duncan, Jr., aged 89, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, November 25th at The Willow in Wathena, Kansas.
He was born on December 26, 1935, to Virgil A. and Vera (Dinning) Duncan Sr. in rural Savannah, Missouri and graduated from Savannah High School in 1954 where he ran track and field and was a member of the F.F.A.
Pete enlisted into the Navy in January 1955, and was assigned to the Heavy Cruiser, USS Salem CA-139, the flagship for the Navy fleet in the Mediterranean. During his time of service, he achieved the rank of Machinist Mate First Class.
He married the love of his life, Evelyn Colleene Taylor, on October 16, 1959. They shared a life full of love, laughter, adventure through travel, and steadfast commitment to family & friends.
His career path led him into the gas energy service while living in Oakland, California and continued when he and his family moved back to Missouri and eventually Troy, Kansas where he lived out the remainder of his life.
Pete’s contributions to the Doniphan County Historical Society and other local history are significant. He was a driving force within the Doniphan County Historical Society where he eagerly served as President for twenty years and remains an honorary board member. He was also a dedicated member of the Heritage Commission and the Gateway Chapter of the Oregon-California Trail Association. In 2022, The Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce awarded Pete the True Historian Award.
He was a faithful servant to the Lord throughout his life and had been baptized in the Troy Assembly of God Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 11 siblings, and son Deano A. Duncan.
Survivors include his wife; sons, David C. Duncan, Sr. and Douglas W. Duncan; 6 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.
Farewell Service will commence on Friday, December 5th at 10:00am immediately followed by burial at the Courter-Ritchey Cemetery in Troy, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Doniphan County Historical Society, PO Box 197, Bendena, KS 66008.
