Larry Duckworth

LARRY DUCKWORTH

ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS — Larry L. Duckworth, 81, passed away at 1:25 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at Evelyn's House in Creve Coeur, Missouri. He was born on Aug. 25, 1936, in Charleston, Illinois, the son of the late Verle and Betty (Adams) Duckworth. He married the former Shirley King on Sept. 4, 1955, in Charleston, and she survives. In addition to his wife of almost 63 years, survivors include a son and daughter-in-law: Kerry and Lisa Duckworth of Bunker Hill, one daughter and son-in-law: Lori and Cary Gill of Bunker Hill, his grandchildren and their spouses: Kari and Steve Yochum, Clayton Gill, Kody and Malissa Duckworth, Allie and John Thyer, Kory Duckworth and his fiancé: Hannah Paden, Kevin and Hilary Gill, Kate and Dan Beamish, his great-grandchildren: Madison and Parker Gill, Elliana, Lyla and Asher Duckworth, Wyatt and Gunnar Gill, Betty Jane Thyer, Mackenzie Kay Yochum. Other friends include Kim and Dan Duckworth and Carrie Darr Gill whom he greatly loved and always remembered.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University Grade School and High School in Charleston, Larry went on to graduate from Eastern Illinois University College with his Bachelor's Degree. He then earned his Master's Degree from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Larry came to Wood River in 1959 to teach at Lewis and Clark Grade School. He went to work at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville for three years prior to going to work at Granite City, where he spent thirty – five years as their shop teacher. Larry enjoyed helping coach junior high boys sports. Larry served for many years on the school board at Roxana Community Unit School District #1. Larry and his wife are members of New Wine Fellowship Church and also attended Enjoy Church in Alton. He and his wife enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida after retiring.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 5 until time of funeral services at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Daryl Dolbee and Pastor Daren Carstens will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Evelyn's House, 1000 North Mason Road, Creve Coeur, Missouri 63141 and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.