William Duncan
Grafton |
William F. Duncan Jr., 81, passed on August 20th, 2024, at 1:10 p.m. at his home. Bill was born April 18, 1943, to Forrest and Ethyl (Plummer) Duncan. A life long Grafton resident, Bill was a proud member of the JCHS Class of 1961 and worked the family farm before serving his country in the U.S. Army 4th Division and fought in the Vietnam War.
After the war, Bill returned home to Grafton and married Bethany Ann Smith on December 24, 1969, and continued to serve in his community with over 38 years on the Quarry Township Board, 12 years on the Jersey County School Board, 50 years with the Masonic Lodge, and a proud member of the American Legion. While Bill enjoyed his career at General Motors for 39 years, one of his greatest joys came in retirement with driving a school bus for the Jersey School District.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Beth, and his children, Scott (Brenda) Jones, Dawn (James) Robinson, and Billy (Wendi) Duncan, as well as his ten grandchildren, Justin, Jacoby, and Jenna (Kyle Wesolowski - fiancé) Robinson, Garrett (Ashley) Jones, Sydney (Chris) Walker, Alexandra Jones, Ryan (Danielle) Whited, Zachary (Tia) McCalla, Ivy Piper, Luke Duncan, and five great grandchildren, Weston Walker, Lennon Grace Jones, Archer and Wyatt Whited, and Logan McCalla.
Bill was affectionately known as Brother Bill by his six sisters. He is survived by them all: Janet Callahan, Joan Duncan, Linda Brooks, Cheryl (Jerry) Bauersachs, Dee (Donnie) Walsh, and Trudy Duncan.
Bill was adored by his extended family and friends including brother in laws, Dennis Whyte, Robert (Mary) Smith, and William Smith and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his sisters in law, Bette Whyte and Barbra Smith, nephews Mike Brooks and Andy Duncan, niece Sara BethAnne Smith, and his parents.
Visitation will be held on Friday August 23rd at the Grafton United Methodist Church from 4-7 p.m. where the Full Moon Masonic Lodge will conduct Masonic Rites at 7 p.m. Services will be held at 10 am on Saturday August 24th with a private family burial immediately following with Military Rites conducted by the Grafton American Legion Post 648.
Memorials can be made to the Hartford Cemetery, c/o Jennifer Kosowski, 14244 State Highway 100 West, Grafton, IL 62037
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book can be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
