Dale Carlton Duncan

Dale Carlton Duncan, 87, of Dewey, died Tuesday in Bartlesville. Dale was born the son of William DeWitt and Alta Mae (Killgore) Duncan on Sept. 6, 1929 in Minco, southwest Oklahoma. He attended the Fair Valley School in rural Cato County. While Dale was still a young child, his mother died and he was raised by his father and older sister Faye. At the age of 14 he decided to leave home and make his own way in life. Dale journeyed to Colorado to join the peach harvesting, then to California where he found work in the milk industry with Carnation before returning back to his home state to work as a meat cutter in the Oklahoma City processing plants. Dale was a hard worker and worked every day of his life; he was a good provider for his family. Dale married Edna Arthurs on Christmas Eve of 1948 and they raised three children together. Dale discovered he excelled at salesmanship and obtained his Kansas Life insurance license on his first attempt at the exam - a feat that was uncommon even for men with more formal education. His travels brought him to the Bartlesville area where mutual colleagues set Dale and Ruth up on a blind date. Dale arrived looking spiffy in a suit and the rest is history - they were united in marriage on March 24, 1986. Ruth’s children took to Dale quickly and over their 30 year marriage appreciated his commitment to their mother and family. Dale’s passion in life was music particularly country western and gospel. He played any instrument with strings especially the fiddle. Over the years, his home hosted many jam sessions, usually on a Friday night. “Faded Love” was his favorite song. He loved to read and could remember needed facts learned earlier. Dale collected many things but mostly old stuff. He could work with his hands and bought their current house after a fire and with Ruth’s help Dale made it their home. He kept busy in later years as a landlord and the many challenges that entails. His children recall his love for argumentative discussions but when Ruth would interject Dale would just say “We’re just having fun.” Dale always planted a garden and encouraged family and friends to share his pride and joy. Dale is survived by his loving wife Ruth of the home; seven children, Carroll Martin of Glenhaven, CO, Ronnie Duncan and Carolyn of Shawnee, KS, Donna Frye and Jay of Haddam, KS, Linda Sawyer and Bobby of Broken Arrow, Rose Peace of Owasso, Teresa McSparrin and Billy of Springdale, AR, and James Baughman and Katrina of Bartlesville; sister in law Jo Ann Duncan; brother in law John Arnold; 18 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Lisa Kitchel, two brothers Calvin and Arlo Duncan, and one sister Faye Arnold.

Dale Carlton Duncan

September 6, 1929 - September 6, 2016