Thomas Ross Duckett Jr.

Thomas Ross Duckett, Jr., age 85, died Wednesday, September 22, 2010, in Independence, MO, after a short illness. He was born October 23, 1924 in Stuttgart, AR to Thomas Ross and Mable Ann (Henderson) Duckett, Sr. and grew up in Seminole, OKC and Konawa. He was a graduate of Konawa High School, obtained a BS degree from OSU, a Master of Administration from OU and had completed a PhD in Guidance Counseling from OU. Ross taught and coached at Drumright and Olive before serving as Superintendent of Schools at Dover and Perkins, OK. He moved with his family to Mustang in 1963, where he entered private business with his brother, Dr. Jim Duckett. As a civil servant, Ross served as Mayor of Mustang for four terms, two in the early sixties and two in the late nineties. He was elected to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, District 98 in 1973 and served in that capacity until 1987. Ross was an avid runner and could be seen frequently on the roads around Mustang. The last few years, his running became more of a walk. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Mustang. Mustang and the State of Oklahoma will miss this public servant very much. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Charline, in February of this year; and one brother, Dr. Jim Duckett. Survivors include one son, Tom Duckett and wife Becky of Yukon; one daughter, Charolette Duckett of Independence, MO; six grandchildren: Thomas, Chris, Megan, Josh, Rheagen and Katie; and two great-grandchildren: Presley and Parker. Former Representative Duckett will lie in state on the Fourth Floor Rotunda at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Monday, September 27, 2010, from 10am until 4pm. Visitation at the funeral home will be from 5pm until 8pm on Monday evening. Services will be at 10am on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at First Baptist Church in Mustang, with interment following in Mustang Cemetery. Arrangements are by McNeil's Mustang Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made at www.mcneilsmustangfs.com