Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Walter Duncan Obituary
Walter was preceded in death a year ago by his cherished wife of 66 years, Mary Katharine Zwald Duncan.
Walter was born on September 1, 1920 and raised on Duck Street, Riverton, VA. His parents were the late Elsa Clapp and Joseph Lewis Duncan.
Walter graduated from Warren County High School in 1938. His studies at VPI were interrupted in 1943 when he was called to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He returned to VPI in 1947 and completed his degree in civil engineering. He returned to Front Royal and worked as a building contractor and a land surveyor. Walter returned to VPI in l961 in the Master's Degree program for sanitary engineering.
Upon returning to Front Royal, Walter became Town Manager of Front Royal and served his beloved town for 23 years (1963-1985) until his retirement. Walter was elected to the Front Royal Town Council in 1986 and retired from Council in 2000.
Walter was a humble, generous, and active member of the First Baptist Church of Front Royal since 1947. Throughout his life time he was a member of numerous community service organizations, including Kiwanis, Boy Scouts of America, and Warren County Democrats.
Walter is survived by four children, Dorothy âDodieã Duncan Meadows of Lanexa, VA, Mary Lee Duncan (Stephen Patchin) of Virginia Beach, VA, Walter Marvin Duncan, Jr. (Kristin Malmberg) of Dallas, TX, and Katharine âKathyã Duncan Ichter (Larry) of Springfield, VA, 11 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
His brothers, Joseph W. C. Duncan, Howard A. Duncan, Shirley O. Duncan; and sisters, Pauline D. Pingley and Dorothy A. Duncan preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2013, in the Front Royal First Baptist Church sanctuary. A reception will follow the service in the church Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Front Royal First Baptist Church Memorial Fund or C-CAP of Front Royal/Warren County.
Sign the Guest Book at www.nvdaily.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Duncan
Glenn and Debbie Westphal
March 6, 2013
Goodbye to a great man. Glenn and Debbie Westphal
March 2, 2013
Mr Duncan was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Linda Putnam Klingenberg
Carolyn (Moseley) Majors
March 1, 2013
I had known Mr. and Mrs. Duncan from my early years at First Baptist. Both were such wonderful people. When talking with Mr. Duncan, you came away with knowledge and some of his love for the people and town of Front Royal.
When we moved to Jamestown Road, I would delight in seeing them taking their early morning walk holding hands. We know Mr. Duncan is now holding the hand of his wonderful wife, and enjoying the company if the ones who have gone before him.
Richard & Cathy Kurzenknabe
March 1, 2013
Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Barbara Tringali
March 1, 2013
Although, I did not know Walter very long,I am glad that I did. As a new member of Kiwanis he would always greet you with a beautiful smile and asked how you were. To me that was so important and made me feel welcome. I will miss him as everyone else will. My sincerest sympathy to the whole family
Myrna Perez
March 1, 2013
"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love." Kathy, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. And know that my heart goes out to you as yours did when I talked to you about my mom's health. God bless you and your family during this time of grief and sorrow.
Susan MacIntyre
March 1, 2013
Walter was a friend of less than 2 years, but his love and caring for everyone left a great impact. I will miss him greatly. The town, the church, his Sunday School class,our world, will be less fortunate with his loss. God Bless, my friend! Susan
Dori Kauffman
March 1, 2013
Kathy, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a true gentleman who contributed to our town not only in his job capacity but because he truely cared about the people. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Kristen Johnson
February 28, 2013
Growing up, the Duncans and the Englishs (my grandparents, Jack and Helen, were always together. Walter and Mary were often at our family get-togethers and my very cherished memories are those of alot of giggles, conversations and lots of great food, of course! My very deepest condolences to ALL of the Duncans. Much Love, Kristen (and CJ)
February 28, 2013
"May memories of Walter bring you comfort and peace."
JHarris ~ Atlanta, Georgia
Meena Hanifi
February 28, 2013
We did not know Mr. Duncan, but we work with his granddaughter Jane Meadows. We have heard many stories and can tell that he was a great man and loved very much by his family. We would like to convey our condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
From: Trash Away Inc.
Karen Payne
February 28, 2013
Even thought I did not know Mr. Duncan, I worked with his daughter Kathy for over 20 years. I would like to confey my condolises to the family. Be strong family, God will take care of you during your sadness.
February 27, 2013
I became acquainted with Walter when I was the president of the Key Club at Warren County High School in 1976. He was always very kind to me and generous with his time. My father died when I was 21 and I took over our family business on Main Street to help my mother. Walter and Craig Zunka invited me to join the Kiwanis Club. I enjoyed being with Walter for over 15 years in Kiwanis. We remained friends until his sad passing. He was a true gentleman.
Mike Silek (Front Royal, VA)
Blair Mitchell
February 27, 2013
Walter was a true gentleman. I always enjoyed chatting with him about Town and County matters, his family, and just talking with him in general. I learned a lot from him. He was never cross with or about anyone, and he knew more about this area than anyone. He was a true inspiration. I am glad he is reunited with his beloved Mary. But I will miss him.
Bruce Potts
February 27, 2013
Mr. Duncan was a great friend to my parents and to our family when I was growing up and knew him and his wife Mary through the church. He will be greatly missed by his church family and by the community for his years of honored service as town manager.
John Malmberg
February 27, 2013
Walter, Kris and all the rest of the Duncan Clan,
I am sorry for your loss and wish I could join you for Walter's service on Friday. He was a wonderful, engaging human being whose compassion and concern for others was always apparent. I know you will miss him, but he and Mary are in a good place, and they left behind a wealth of memories that will serve all of you well. My thoughts are with you as you deal with this loss.
February 27, 2013
Thank you Mr Duncan for you're many years od service to our town and to you're service to our country!
Roy Kendall
February 27, 2013
The Duncan Family, Walter and Mary, were part of my Parents extended family. Every holiday, the Duncan's, the English's, and others would go up on Skyline Drive and enjoy a cookout. It's part of my heritage that the Duncans were so close to mom and dad. God Bless you Walter, for all that you gave to your beloved Front Royal, hug my parents and tell them Hi for me in Heaven.
Molly Snyder
February 26, 2013
Walter, you will be greatly missed as the Dean of the Warren County Dems. I always looked forward to you smiling face at events. My heart goes out to Walter's daughters and son.
JoLea Hindley
February 26, 2013
Goodbye Mr. Duncan,
Thank you for all you did for our community.
You will be missed.
The Hindley's
Keith Pomeroy
February 26, 2013
Sorry to see Mr Duncan moving to the Lords home. May the entire family find peace during these sad times.
Melanie Stull
February 26, 2013
Dodie & Family,
I was very sad to hear of your loss. I met Walter 6 years ago when I joined Kiwanis and grew to love him dearly. He was always eager to share his knowledge and always was full of encouragement. He was such a sweet Man and wow what dedication he had for anything that he loved and or believed in. In Sept. 2010 Walter did our program for Kiwanis and shared his 84 - year Love Affair with the Town of Front Royal..What a treat :-) He will be missed terribly but remembered always. May God watch over each and every one of you as you go through this dificult time.
Blessings,
Melanie
Jerry Scholder
February 26, 2013
While it is sad to lose Walter here on Earth with his family and friends, we know he is where he truly wanted to be with his family and friends with God. I always loved Walter's smile, easy going down to earth nature, and incredible passion for taking care of the citizens of Front Royal. He loved everyone and would do anything for you if you needed it. I enjoyed his company and I'm glad he is with the people he loves in heaven.
February 26, 2013
Trusting that Uncle Walter is indeed resting in peace in an eternal life of joy with His Savior.
Nephew Dave Zwald and Patricia Zwald
Jeb Hockman
February 26, 2013
The citizens of Front Royal have lost a true founding father - a man who dedicated his life and career to making Front Royal and Warren County a better place to live, work and raise a family. He was a great friend of my father, Paul - and I think his "favorite Democrat." May he rest in peace knowing that he made a difference to those he served.
Donald & Lynne Mutersbaugh
February 26, 2013
Lynne and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Duncan Family. I knew Walter from Kiwanis. He was a true gentleman, extremely knowledgeable, and a delightful conversationalist. Godspeed, Walter.
February 26, 2013
I work at the court house and Walter would come in looking up deeds or surveys. He was such a pleasure to work with. He always came to my window to say hi. I will surely miss him.
February 26, 2013
What a wonderful man and family. He is with his beloved Mary now. We feel your pain and know the emptiness our church will feel.
With much love and devotion,
Brad and Sue Rinker
Timothy Ratigan
February 26, 2013
I was saddened when I heard of Walter's passing. I will never forget the kindness he showed our family when we first moved to Front Royal in the summer of 1979. Walter's love and dedication to the Town of Front Royal was always evident when I had the honor to speak with him. His advice and help during my campaign for Mayor only deepened the respect and friendship I had for him. Front Royal has lost a great and lasting friend and Guardian. Rest in Peace Walter.
February 26, 2013
To Emily and family my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of a gentleman.
Joe Norton Sr. (Lunenburg, Ma)
Catherine Derflinger
February 26, 2013
I am so sorry for Walter,s death; he was a wonderful man and a good friend. Cathie (Lloyd's wife)
Margaret & Walter Robar
February 26, 2013
To Emily and all of the Duncan family we would like to express our deepest condolences for the loss of your Grandfather for he is truly a remarkable man. We really enjoyed meeting both him and your grandmother at yours and Justin's wedding. After reading the reflection of his life we are very impressed with all of his accomplishments and contributions he made in this world. We hope all of your memories will stay cherished in your hearts forever.
Love,
Margaret & Walter Robar
February 26, 2013
What a man and what a life. Walter was all that God hopes for a man to be. He was a loving and caring husband, father,friend and community leader. We admired Walter and Mary more than any couple we knew. The loss to the Town of Front Royal is immeasurable. We take comfort in knowing that Walter and Mary are reunited and communing with our beloved Savior in Heaven. Our condolences to his family.
Clay and Stacey Athey
Sylvia Tooley
February 25, 2013
Dodie and family, We are sad to hear of your loss. May you feel comfort that he is with his bride once again. We will be keeping you in our hearts and prayers. May God bless each of you, Sylvia & David
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Walter Duncan's name
Memorial Events
for Walter Duncan
How to support Walter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Walter Duncan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
