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Obituary of Virgil Dean Duckworth

Princeville – Virgil Dean Duckworth, 79, of Princeville, died at 3:41 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born July 14, 1930, in Wyoming, IL, the son of Fred & Ruby Sheets Duckworth.  He married Wilma K. Ely on October 6, 1951, at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, Princeville.  She survives, along with four children, Kathy (Daniel) Morris of Carol Stream, IL, Robert (Debby) Duckworth of Princeville, Ronald (Elizabeth) Duckworth of Peoria, and Lorrie (Jacob) Bunn of Springfield, IL; daughter-in-law, Debbie Duckworth of Peoria; seven grandchildren, Sean, Aron, & Ryan Morris, Katie (Griffin) Newell, Beth (Timothy) Earley, Amanda (Eric) Creech, and Jeremy (Kristen) Duckworth; one great-granddaughter, Bella Duckworth; one sister, Anna (Robert) Wilkins of Chillicothe; five brothers, Elbert (Joan) Duckworth, LeRoy (Mary Lou) Duckworth, Cliff (Faye) Duckworth, Donald (Delores) Duckworth, and Larry (Jeanne) Duckworth.  He was preceded in death by two sisters, Pauline Hancock & Ruth Maxwell; and one brother, Phillip Duckworth.

Virgil served in the National Guard beginning in 1950 and was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict.  He worked for Caterpillar, Inc for 25 years as a Finish Engine Specialist, retiring in 1990.  Prior to Caterpillar, he worked for LaMar Stone Company in Princeville.  In his retirement years, he owned and operated Duckworth Small Engine Repair at his home.

He was a member of St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, where he served both as Usher and Sexton of the church cemetery.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11361.  He was a member of the Princeville American Legion Post 248, and a charter member of the Princeville Lions Club.  He enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his family.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m.  Monday, November 30, 2009, at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church.  Fr Patrick Riordan will officiate.  Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 4:00 p.m. at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, with recitation of the Rosary at 4:00 p.m.  Burial will be in St. Mary of the Woods Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of the Woods Building Fund, to Juvenile Diabetes Association, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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