Michael L. Duncan

IN MEMORY OF: Michael L. Duncan Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Michael L. Duncan, age 73, of Murphysboro, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on February 3, 1952 to John and Phyllis (Sheldon) Duncan in Harrisburg, Illinois. His parents preceded him in death. On March 5, 2004 he married Laura Cates (née Whistle). Together they spent over 21 years, and she survives. Along with his wife, survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Austin (Ambrielle) Duncan, Tyler (Melinda) Cates, and Clayton (Stephie) Cates; six grandchildren, Satyanna Cates, Conar Cates, Ruby Cates, Zach (Kaylee) Holmes, Madison Holmes, Lauryn Holmes; one great-grandson, Rylan Holmes; two brothers, Larry (Vicky) Duncan and Russell (Katy) Duncan; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Michael, known by many as “Dunk”, was extremely proud of his service to his country in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam. While he worked in several occupational fields throughout his lifetime, including serving as a police officer for the City of Harrisburg, Illinois, he considered his final job as a Veterans’ Representative with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) to be his dream job. He took great satisfaction in helping veterans find employment and apprising veterans of benefits due to them. After his retirement from IDES, his continuing respect for fellow veterans (and their families) led Michael to volunteer as a member of the American Legion Post 127 Honor Guard. Honoring veterans at the end of their life was extremely important to Michael. While he enjoyed dabbling in several hobbies, Michael derived the greatest pleasure from successfully executing pranks on his family and friends. Many unsuspecting people foolishly attempted to prank Michael. He made it his mission to “one-up” their feeble attempts. Days or months may pass, but eventually he WOULD find an opportunity to pull off a payback. Michael was a member of United in Faith Christian Church (formerly Berean Christian Church) in Murphysboro, American Legion Murphysboro Post 127, the Elks Lodge #572, Carbon Lake Club and the Murphysboro Moose Lodge. A tribute to Michael would be incomplete without mentioning the fierce love he had, and the pride he felt for his family. He looked forward to every visit with them. Many of those visits ended with Michael placing food in their hands as they walked out his door. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Mike Austin officiating at Crain Pleasant Grove – Murdale Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM the funeral home. Inurnment will follow the service at Mound City National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to United in Faith Christian Church or to the Honor Guard. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Michael L. Duncan

February 3, 1952 - March 12, 2025