Dawson Abner Duncan of Du Quoin
Dawson Abner Duncan, at the ripe young age of 96, passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021 at the Du Quoin Nursing and Rehab.
A fixture wherever friends gathered for coffee, played golf, or danced the night away, Dawson was blessed with a remarkable life, marrying a remarkable woman, and raising and enjoying a remarkable family.
Dawson was born on July 2, 1925 along with his twin sister Dorothy. In 1941 he had his first date with Irma Dean Davis, taking her to a dance at the Du Quoin State Fair. That began a 76-year love affair that continued until Dawson died.
Graduating from Du Quoin Township High School in 1943, he and his best friend, Bud Schroeder, drove to St. Louis to join the Navy, intent on becoming naval aviators. Dawson was accepted and reported for training in August 1943. Bud was not accepted. He joined the Marine Corps and was killed in action during the invasion of Tinian Island. Dawson mourned Bud's death for all his remaining days.
With an honorable discharge in September 1945, Dawson earned a bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University and returned to Du Quoin. Heeding Irma Dean's ultimatum, they were married on June 26, 1949. Dawson went to work with his father at Dawson-Duncan Furniture Company in downtown Du Quoin, later known as Duncan and Fry Furniture, with Dawson assuming co-ownership. After 40 years in the business, he retired in 1989.
Dawson loved life and had a ball. He was an avid golfer, known for an odd regripping of his club before each swing, as well as incredible accuracy near and on greens.
He enjoyed fishing and cut an interesting figure driving around town with a 17-foot canoe draped comically over his orange Volkswagen, far more boat than car. One day shy of his 88th birthday he caught his personal best, an 8-pound, 8-oz. largemouth bass. He skied in Austria and in the 1940s drove to Seattle to visit his cousin.
A voracious reader and crossword puzzle solver, he served on the Du Quoin Library Board for several years. He was Exalted Ruler of the Du Quoin Elks Lodge, a lifetime member of the American Legion, and a Rotarian. He was a faithful member of the DPG, meeting each weekday morning at Hardee's for coffee and gossip.
He and Irma Dean attended the First Christian Church in Du Quoin. They sat in the same spot each Sunday morning where they were known for talking to each other throughout the services.
Dawson was the son of Abner and Nell (Dawson) Duncan. He had three sisters, Ruth (Tommy), Maurine and Dorothy, all who preceded him in death. He and Irma Dean raised three children, Mindy (Ed) Morrison of Harrisonburg, Virginia; Rex (Linda) Duncan of Du Quoin; and David (Cyndi) Duncan of Wood River, Illinois.
They had seven grandchildren: Nate and Drew Morrison; Paul, Thomas and Susan Duncan; and Kristin Duncan and Robin Murphy. They also had three great-grandchildren, Violet, Everett and Riyan.
When Irma Dean died in 2016, Dawson lost his anchor and was adrift in life. In January 2019 he moved to The Landings in Carbondale. Dawson's family is deeply indebted to the great folks at The Landings for their warmth and compassion. As well, the wonderful staff members at Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Marshall Browning Hospital, and Hospice of Southern Illinois, all of whom provided comfort in his final days. Dawson's family is grateful to all of you!
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin, his longtime friends and neighbors, is in charge of Dawson's arrangements. A private inurnment of Dawson's and Irma Dean's cremains will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, followed by a memorial service still to be scheduled, at which "Anchors Aweigh" is sure to be a featured musical remembrance.
In Dawson's memory, memorials may be made to the Perry County Humane Society or the First Christian Church of Du Quoin. For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
Dawson gets the last word with his favorite saying, "Life is good!"