Elmer H. Duncan 1923-2024
VERO BEACH, Fla. — Elmer Harry Duncan, known as “Dunc” to all who knew him, was born in New Castle, Pa., Aug. 4, 1923. He passed away at 100 years of age, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. He was the son of the late Claude and Nannie Duncan.
Dunc served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Ganter. He was also called back to serve on an aircraft carrier in the Korean War.
In 1956, he started Duncan’s Bath and Kitchen Center in Poland. He was a master plumber, and very successfully ran his bath and kitchen remodeling company, which is now being operated by the third generation, his grandson, Jason Duncan.
He was preceded in death by his first wife and high school sweetheart, the late Marian Lucile Black, in 1987; and their son, Richard Bruce in 1952. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Rita McBurney; and his sister, Dori Bintrim of New Castle, Pa.
Dunc leaves behind his loving wife of 31 years, Louise McChallan Duncan. Also surviving are his daughter, Jane White of Fort Mill, South Carolina; as well as his son, Tom Duncan (Cyndi). With his wife, Louise, Dunc was blessed with her two children, Carol David (Mike) from Vero Beach; as well as Jackie Bordeaux (Tony) from Indiana. Dunc’s seven grandchildren are Jennifer, Julie, Jason, Christine, Stephen, Sara and Eric. His six great-grandchildren are AJ, Kamryn, Avery, Ben, Elston and Gunner.
Dunc was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. He was also one of the founders of the Poland Masonic Lodge. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner, and a member of the Salem Golf Club.
Dunc enjoyed golfing, playing tennis, reading anything about the Civil War and WWII, and loved playing bridge. He was also a smooth ballroom dancer. Dunc loved texting and visiting with his children and grandchildren on FaceTime.
Dunc very much loved going to church. He served on most committees and enjoyed teaching Sunday school. He was one of the original members of the Wednesday morning men’s prayer breakfast at Poland United Methodist Church, which is still going strong.
Dunc had a great memory and was a fantastic storyteller. He enjoyed recording and writing page after page of his childhood and wartime memories that are so entertaining that they may make a memorable book in the future.
Dunc will be sadly missed by many.
A private family service will be at a later date.
(special notice)