Vernon R. Duncan

Vernon R. Duncan of Sunrise Villas, Olympia Fields, Il. (formerly of Homewood, IL.) died on April 6, 2023 peacefully at home.  Vern is survived by sons:  David (Sandra), Donald (Cynthia) and daughter Judy (Chris Darby).  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-eight years, Jean.  Vern lives on through his sisters-in-law, Torchy Duncan, Janet Buchanan, Judy Myers, Jeannie Teichgraeber, cousin Deana McClure, and seven grandsons, eight granddaughters, six great grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Born the son of Violetta and Benjamin Duncan on the family homestead in Bushong, Kansas, Vern was taken by his Uncle John to church where he came to faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. An exceptional stenographer, Vern worked in the Pentagon, later becoming a Navy aircraft carrier pilot in World War II.  Through the GI Bill, he obtained a teaching degree at Emporia State Teachers College and a mechanical engineering degree at Kansas State. He worked for thirty-four years with the Linde Division of the Union Carbide Corporation, retiring as the plant manager of Linde's East Chicago, Indiana, air separation plant. During his retirement years, he volunteered doing taxes and in various roles at St. Andrew UMC.  A quiet man with twinkling blue eyes, he had a quick wit, wise counsel, thoughtfulness, and interest in all things mechanical and athletic.  Vern enjoyed traveling, golfing, reading, crossword puzzles, and watching sports events and westerns on TV.  He was devoted to his faith and family. Vern was also preceded in death by his son, Douglas, his parents, brother Bill, his wife Mary Jane, brother Chet, his wife Patricia, brother Bob, brothers-in-law, Pete and Jerry Teichgraeber, James Buchanan, Robert Myers, and sister-in-law Eunice Teichgraeber..  A memorial service will be held on his 100 ^th birthday, May 20, at 10:00 am at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 18850 Riegel Road, Homewood, IL, 60430, phone (708) 798-8904.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Vern's life may be given to The Chicago Lighthouse, 1850 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL (312) 666-1331 or St. Andrew UMC.