Donald Leslie Duckworth, age 80, of Madison, IN died Friday.
Donald Leslie Duckworth, age 80, of Madison, IN died peacefully on Friday, April 22, 2016 at Norton Hospital in Louisville, KY following complications from a recent heart attack.
He was born July 11, 1935 in Hutton Township, Coles County, IL, the son of Donald Garvis Duckworth and Martha Erlene (Bidle) Duckworth. He was first married to Mary Jane (Meeks) Duckworth with whom they had two sons. She preceded him in death. He then married Lela Mae (McClaskey) Duckworth. She also preceded him in death. A high school graduate of Charleston, Illinois, he started his career at Westfield, Illinois with a job working at a farm implements dealership followed by a position in Mattoon, Illinois where he worked for a furniture manufacturing company. He then worked at AMF Roadmaster in Olney, Illinois for more than thirty five years in various management positions.
A faithful Christian, he was a longtime church and board member of the Sixth Street Wesleyan Church in Lawrenceville, Illinois. An accomplished woodworker, he enjoyed building furniture and other items throughout his life. In earlier years, he enjoyed motorcycling and spent many hours riding his Honda. He resided in Lawrenceville, Illinois for more than fifty years. He lived the last three years of his life in Madison, Indiana to be near his son Gary. During this time, he regularly attended services at the First Baptist Church.
Much loved and respected by those who knew him, his calm nature was admired, and his telling of a funny joke or humorous story was enjoyed.
He was well known among family and friends for his lifelong belief that everything tastes better with ketchup on it!
Surviving are two sons: Terry J. Duckworth of Wichita, KS, Gary W. Duckworth and wife Suzan of Madison, IN, four step-sons: Robert E. Seed of Columbus, OH, Michael Seed and his wife Zoe of Bourbonnais, IL, George W. Seed and his wife Kristi of Lawrenceville, GA, John L. Seed and his wife Amy of Lawrenceville, IL, a sister: Jo Latham and husband S. Duane of Heath, TX, two granddaughters: Rachel J. Routt-Duckworth of Mt. Vernon, IL, Jessica J. Routt-Duckworth of Carbondale, IL, eleven step-grandchildren and thirteen step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Jane Duckworth, followed by second wife, Lela Duckworth. The funeral will be held on May 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, IL. Burial will follow at Lawrenceville City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the church of your choice in his name.