William James Duncanson Sr., passed away on October 28, 2026 in his home surrounded by family. Bill was born in Louisville, KY on August 4, 1929 to his parents, William F. and Evelyn M. Duncanson. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII at the age of 17 to serve his country and faithfully served for over 20 years with both the Navy and U.S. Marine Corps as a Pharmacist Mate and Hospital Corpsman, retiring as a Chief Hospital Corpsman in 1966. He served in WWII, Korean War and Vietnam. He loved both services and his country. He traveled the world, all oceans and most seas and all continents during his time in the service. After Naval retirement, he immediately joined Michigan State University and served there for 25 years from 1966 to Sept. 1991, retiring as a Senior Purchasing Agent.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William F. and Evelyn M. Duncanson and his four grandparents all of Louisville, KY. He was also preceded by his oldest son William J. Duncanson Jr., in 1978, his son Michael Duncanson in 2004, and his beloved daughter Lisa M. Fata in 2021. Losing a son or daughter is a tragedy that no one should have to experience. He was also preceded by his first wife, Ruth M. (Kurz) Duncanson of Owensboro, KY whom he met in Pearl Harbor, a talented surgical registered nurse. Together Bill and Ruth had eight wonderful children, 3 now deceased and 5 living daughters including, Jean Duncanson Mocek (Rick Sipes), Bev Duncanson, Cathy (Bob) Cole, Janet (Geoff) Sweetsir, and Jill (Mike) Respecki. Bill married his second wife, Barbara Ann, almost 40 years ago, and she has been his loving partner in life as no one else could ever be. She was born Barbara Borgelt, born in Illinois, moved to Michigan, schooled in Illinois and Michigan, graduate of Michigan State University and a Certified Purchasing Manager.

There are now some 43 Survivors in the Duncanson clan/hierarchy which include son-in-law Jerry Fata, and daughter-in-law Barbara Duncanson, and 16 grandchildren: Angie (Dan), Paige (James), Ally, Tyler (Brigid), Danielle (Zack), Jim (Megan), Elana, Joe, Benjamin, Alec, and Monica, and 9 great grandchildren, Devin (Amanda), Jordan (Veronica), Jack, Lilah, Lowen, Cameron WIllaim, Sofia Jade, and 2 great great grandsons, Brody and Nico.

Bill would like all to know that he is so proud of what they have achieved in their lives in both further educational means, job attainments, marriage partners and especially their loyalty and love for each other as a family. These traits will live on forever. God bless each of them forever. Grandpa loves you.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, November 9 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes - Big Rapids. During this time, we will honor his service by presenting the Two Bell Ceremony. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 10 at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 11:00 A.M. with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Michigan at 400 Perry Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307 or to St. Mary's Catholic School at 927 Marion Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307. Arrangements have been entrusted to Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes - Big Rapids.