Melvin Wayne Duncan

Melvin Wayne Duncan, 91, of Robinson, IL, passed away on February 20, 2023, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing in Robinson, IL. He was born on April 24, 1931, at the family farm outside of Palestine, IL, the son of Harold & Grace (Atkins) Duncan. Following the untimely death of his mother, four-year-old Wayne was soon taken in by his grandparents, who raised him as if he were their own. He grew up in Robinson and was a 1949 graduate of Robinson High School, having left with the school record for the high jump. He went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy, spending a year on active duty and six additional years in the Navy Reserve.

On August 27, 1950, he married Lillian Ann Johnson, and to this union were born two beloved sons and three precious daughters. He worked hard to provide for his family, primarily as a pipefitter. A 53-year member of UA Local 157, he took great pride in his work, and it showed! So respected was he among his peers that one co-worker acknowledged that Wayne was the best man he ever knew. After all, he lived with humility, integrity, and a commitment to excellence that brought flourishing to the world around him. One such place was his garden. The owner of a green thumb, Wayne's garden produced some of the juiciest, most flavorful blackberries, strawberries, and tomatoes you'd ever have the good fortune to eat. Years ago, his diet also consisted of squirrel, which he hunted for many a year alongside his son.

Time and again, he made it clear that his loved ones were a priority in his life. Though he was a strict disciplinarian, his hard work eventually paid off, as his efforts have molded generations of his family into the good people they have become, and the world is better because of it. In fact, this is true about his life as a whole. Wayne Duncan's 91 years were filled to the brim with genuinely fruitful living because it was filled to the brim with the Holy Spirit. It could be said that what we loved most in Wayne was the Jesus in him. Though his church families at Hutsonville First Christian Church and Highland Church of Christ could speak to his depth of Biblical knowledge and his gift for teaching, it was the way he lived that taught us the most. It was evident that Wayne trusted his Heavenly Father with his life, a life that, by the grace of God, will never end.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lillian Ann Duncan; by his children, Michael Wayne & Judy Duncan, Harold Allan & Katie Duncan, Karen Ann Henrion, Grace Marie Duncan, and Mary Duncan-Robards & Matt Robards; and by 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his granddaughter, Jessica Henrion.

A time of visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday with his son and grandson, Pastors Michael Duncan and James Duncan, officiating. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share stories from this dear man's life. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial contributions be made to "Highland Church of Christ", with envelopes available at the funeral home.