Leroy Duncan

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.

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