Dr. Richard Duncan

Dr. Richard Duncan passed away on Friday, January 24, 2014. Richard was born to Thomas and Norah Maddick in Flat River, Missouri on August 13, 1922. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-seven years Helen Duncan. Dr. Duncan served in the US Army Air Corps as a Communication Officer during World War II. He left employment at McRay Radio and Telegraph Co. in Tangier, Morocco returning to Missouri to further his education. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and he continued his studies and earned a Master's Degree in Physics at the Missouri School of Mines. He attended the University of Missouri, Colombia and obtained his Doctorate Degree in Physics in 1954. Dr. Duncan and his family came to the Southwest in 1954. He had accepted an appointment as an Assistant Professor in Physics at New Mexico State University. In 1965 Richard became the Vice President for Research at NMSU supervising the operation of the Physical Science Laboratory, Engineering Experiment Station, Research Station and Water Resource Research Institute. He served on missile projects involving the Nike Ajax, Hercules, Zeus and X missile systems. Dr. Duncan authored and co-authored many scientific publications and was nationally known in the field of Antenna Research. He received the O.M. Steward Fellow Award at the University of Missouri in 1954 and was named Distinguished Professor in 1962 at NMSU. Richard's professional affiliations include the American Physical Society, Eta Kappa Nu (Honorary), Sigma Pi (Physics) and the Society of Sigma X. Dr. Duncan was the top-ranking civilian at White Sands Missile Range, functioning at a command level providing guidance and supervision for all scientific and technological activities. He retired from the Senior Executive Corp after a long and distinguished career. Richard is also survived by his daughters Katherine (Doug) of Florida and Laura Jane (Michael) of Colorado. Richard was the proud grandfather of Audrey and Andrew, and great-grandfather of Jacob and Reese. Richard will always be remembered by his quiet and thoughtful demeanor and the ability to make laughter with his infinite repertoire of humorous stories and jokes. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dr. Richard Duncan's name to La Posada, 299 Montana Ave., Las Cruces, NM, 88005. Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM, 88001. To sign the local online guest book please visit www.GetzCares.com.