Waldron "Walt" Wright Duncan, 77, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, in Fort Worth after a brief illness and one heck of a life. Celebration of life: 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at Electric Cowboy, 8740 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Humane Society of North Texas, American Cancer Society, the USO or a charity of choice. Walt was born Oct. 11, 1938, in Kensington, Pa. He was raised in Kittanning, Pa., by his mother, Sara Zimmerman, and stepfather, Earl Zimmerman. Walt graduated from Thiel College in Greenville, Pa., with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry in 1960. During his college years, he was the director of entertainment as a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. This position served him well in his later role in life. On March 6, 1961, Walt enlisted in the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of captain. He served as a fixed-wing pilot in Korea as well as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. During his military career, he received the following medals and commendations: Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Commendation Medal, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star and two Overseas Bars. Walt was honorably discharged from the Army on May 12, 1968. Upon completion of his military service, he settled in Fort Worth, becoming a legendary nightclub and gentlemen's cabaret proprietor. His many ventures included Phase III, I Gotcha, Speak Easy, Rawhide, Quickdraw I and II, Bumpers, Dynasty, Camp Bowie Cruising Club, Cowtown Country, Wrangler's, Oasis, Big Dogs, Underground, Illusions Cabaret, Pin Ups Cabaret, BT's Cabaret, Gizmos Disco, The Score Sports Bar, Blind Horse Saloon and Stars Cabaret. Walt was a great man who loved a good conversation and a good laugh and had a wicked sense of humor and unmatched loyalty. He is now and will forever be missed by those who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sara and Earl Zimmerman; and his loving companion, Edna Lacey. Survivors: Sheldon Scott, Cheril Lacey Thomas and Wendy Lacey.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Feb. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Waldron Duncan

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17 Entries

Harry E VanPell

October 22, 2021

Miss my mentor.

January 23, 2019

We miss you.

Mark Stangl

June 28, 2018

Walt was a great friend in my early 20s when we worked together at the Campus Cobbler near TCU. Later he started Gotcha and I went back to college.

Mary Ann Slater

February 9, 2016

Walt was my neighbor in west Fort Worth while he was still stationed at Fort Walters. It was the late 1960's. My first impression of him was over dinner with another Army buddy Frank and his date. The conversation was lively and full of laughter from the repartee between Walt and Frank. I was immediately drawn to him and as a bonus, he was a great dancer. Our lives changed, but we remained friends for a few more years. I helped him with the interior of his first nightclub "I Gotcha". Last night at the "celebration of his life", I watched photos of his life during the past 50+ years. He was a lot older and frail, but his dark eyes were the same - the same Walt Duncan.

Lisa Retzlaff

February 6, 2016

My husband and I live on Luther Lake with Walt. Walt's Christmas lights are legendary. Especially LEON on the balcony. He was a great neighbor and will be missed.

John Logan

February 6, 2016

I pledged Sig Ep at Thiel the year after Walt graduated, but as a pledge and a chem major remember being told by the active brothers,
"Hey, Walt is back visitng. You gotta meet this guy!" Clearly one of life's greatest compliments is to be admired and loved by your peers.

Wayne Scott

February 5, 2016

Walt, it's been a lot of years since we pledged Sig Ep together at Thiel. From day one you were a force within the frat--where you were, "good times" were there too. I imagine that by now you and our departed friend Smiles have gotten together and are rehashing those good times at Thiel. Wish we could have touched base again long ago. But party on, Dunc, and say hello to Smiles for me. We'll never forget either of you.

Joel Haas

February 5, 2016

Wally Duncan was a Thiel College and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity legacy tradition. Those who knew him will Treasure their memories.

Pax, Brother, the frost is no longer on the pumpkin!

Jazz

February 4, 2016

You'll be missed brother

Chasity Gonzales

February 4, 2016

Hard to believe Walt is gone seemed like he would be around forever. I'm always gonna remember that even tho he had a tough exterior he was mushy on the inside and always good for a hug. You will forever be missed.

Cindy Christopher

February 4, 2016

There will never be anyone to fill Walt's shoes as he was truly one of a kind. We all loved "Uncle" Walt! He will be missed by all that knew him and will never be forgotten. R I P Walt.

Cindy Day Christopher

Rodney Burnham

February 3, 2016

Walt had a knack for knowing the entertainment business inside and out. He taught me so much about the industry and was a good boss for so many years. Rest in Peace Walt and save me a backgammon seat.

Ed Jones

February 3, 2016

I was saddened to read of the passing of Brother Duncan, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and chapter brothers.

While I never had the privilege of meeting Walt, I pledge that the SigEp Patriots Project will always remember his life and patriotic service.

I M

February 3, 2016

Sincere condolences to the family and friends on your loss. Reading our heavenly Father's words will give you peace, comfort and strength to endure the sorrowful days ahead (Joh. 5:28,29).

Christy Rayven Carroll

January 21, 2016

Rest in heaven... you will be missed by so many

Tiffanie Hammett-Warham

January 21, 2016

Walt you will be missed dearly ❤

Tiffanie Hammett-Warham

January 21, 2016

You will be missed❤

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