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Leroy Duncan Obituary

Leroy Duncan
Wood River - William Leroy Duncan, 77, passed away April 12, 2024 with his family by his side.
Leroy was born March 18, 1947 in Princeton, IN, the son of John Milton Duncan and Edith Ruth Hume.
In 1970 he married Linda (Williams) Duncan of Jerseyville, spending 53 years of marriage together.
He attended Lovejoy United Presbyterian Church in Wood River, a member for 60 plus years; and had served as an Elder.
Leroy graduated East Alton-Wood River High School , Class of 1966. He loved sports and excelled in football. After graduation, he went to Peru State University in Peru, Nebraska and in addition played football as a linebacker.
In 1967-69, Leroy enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Terrell County in Vietnam. During his service, he became an E-6 Boatswains Mate, and was part of the "Brown Water Navy", meaning he traveled the rivers on missions for combat.
Upon coming home, Leroy started working for Norfolk Southern Railroad and spent 37 years until his retirement in 2007. During his years of service, Leroy served as a Train Master, Switch man, and Local Chairman of the United Transportation Union for many years.
He also loved to volunteer as a coach, where he helped hundreds of kids in football, basketball, and soccer from 1972-1998.
After retiring from the railroad, Leroy started involving himself within the community. He served on the East Alton-Wood River High School Board for 23 years; Wood River City Council for two terms; and Wood River Building and Zoning Committee for many years. He was a 54 year life-time member of the Wood River VFW Post 2859, having served as Post Commander, Post Corporation Board for over 40 years, and Post BINGO chairman for 52 years. His love of the VFW Post never went unnoticed, along with a random golf outing with friends.
In his free time during retirement, his ultimate joy was seeing his handsome grandsons play and have fun. He also loved to watch and travel to see his son coach basketball teams that played in high school and nationally.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Kyle Duncan of Wood River; three grandsons, Waylon, Hayes, and Hendrix Duncan; three sisters, Mary (Larry) Crouchley of French Lick, IN, Barb (Randy) Mathies of Huntingburg, IN, Dona Duncan of Phoenix, AZ; two sisters-in-law, Laura (Herbie) Watson of Jerseyville, Shon Duncan of South Elgin; six nephews, Chris (Kori) Duncan, Tony (Amy) Duncan, Mike (Melissa) Watson, Jonathon (Tara) Duncan, Colton Duncan, Duncan Mathies; niece, Heather Andrews; and other extended relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother James Duncan; and best friend, Dave Foster.
Visitation will be held from 3-7 pm, Friday, April 19 at Lovejoy United Presbyterian Church, 2550 Rock Hill Rd, Wood River, IL where the funeral service will be conducted at 10 am Saturday.
Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with full military honors presented by Alton VFW Post 1308.
Memorials are suggested to Lovejoy United Presbyterian Church and Wood River VFW Post 2859.
Marks Mortuary in Wood River entrusted with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Telegraph from Apr. 14 to Apr. 17, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Brenda Donohoo

April 19, 2024

Leroy was my Mission Trip Companion. He was a mentor to hundreds of youth over the years and a friend and "father figure" to all of them. He taught them everything from boiling spaghetti noodles to digging trenches. We all loved Leroy; he made us feel safe whether we were in Michigan, Kentucky or in our own sanctuary. I have so many fond and funny memories that I´ll cherish forever. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Brenda Donohoo and all The Donohoo Family

John Henry Smith

April 19, 2024

Leroy was simply a good and generous person. A "one of a kind" kind of guy.
I will forever remember the night, after we returned home from service in `69, and we listened to Creedence Clearwater Revival´s latest album. (Several times!) I believe it was Green River.
Leroy will be missed.
To a life well lived!

Brenda Donohoo

April 19, 2024

Leroy was my Mission Trip Companion. He mentored hundreds of youth for many years teaching them everything from boiling spaghetti noodles to digging trenches. We all loved Leroy and he made us feel safe whether we were in Michigan, Kentucky or in our own sanctuary. I have such fond and funny memories that I will always cherish. Rest in Peace Leroy.
Brenda Donohoo and All the Donohoo Family

Janet Dare

April 17, 2024

Leroy was the best guy who was loved and admired by many . He never stopped helping the club,bingo , his church anyone else they that needed something done .I enjoyed working with him at the club and bingo for many years. He will be missed and has been missed thru his sickness this last year ..Rest now Buddy ..

Debbie Angleton president 2859 Auxiliary

April 17, 2024

Post 2859 Auxiliary president Debbie Angleton I want to say how much we will miss Leroy. He ran the post keeping it going. Bingo would of never made it, but for him! He was the back bone for the post. He will never be forgotten

Diana Watts Podawiltz

April 14, 2024

Leroy was the "big brother" of my dear friend Dona. He was a kind, loving person. He was full of life, full of fun. He touched many lives in a very positive manner. I believe God welcomed him home saying, " well done my good and faithful servant."

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Memorial Events
for Leroy Duncan

Apr

19

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Lovejoy United Presbyterian Church

2550 Rock Hill Rd, Wood River, IL

Apr

20

Service

10:00 a.m.

Lovejoy United Presbyterian Church

2550 Rock Hill Rd, Wood River, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Marks Mortuary

633 E. Lorena Ave, Wood River, IL 62095

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