John Paul Duncan, Jr.

John Paul Duncan, Jr., 81, of Tipton, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 30, 2025, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Carolyn, and their children, Desiree and Mark.

Born December 20, 1943, in Elwood, Indiana, to Paul and Bernice Duncan, John was a lifelong resident of Tipton County. A 1962 graduate of Windfall High School, he continued his education at Ball State University. He devoted 31 years to Delco Electronics as an electrician before retiring and pursuing his passion for photography.  For more than a decade, he owned and operated J. Duncan Photography, specializing in wedding photography and senior portraits.

John’s commitment to community service was extraordinary.  A longtime member of the Windfall Lions Club, he held numerous offices, led major projects—including the club’s food tent at the Tipton County Fair—and served as Indiana Lions District Governor (1980–1981) and State Council Chairman of Lions International (1981–1982).  He served one term as Windfall Township Advisory trustee and eight years on the board of Northern Community Schools.  Together with Carolyn, he chaired the Windfall Seed City Parade from 1982 to 1991.

A faithful member of Windfall Christian Church, John served in nearly every leadership role: financial secretary for 26 years, deacon, elder, teacher, and chairman of the board, in addition to chairing and serving on countless committees.  He was named Elder Emeritus in recognition of his lifelong dedication.  John loved Christ, his family, and bringing people together—he took particular joy in organizing reunions and reconnecting with old friends.

John never met a stranger and was known for always having a joke ready.  He asked to be remembered simply as a “Good Guy.”

A devoted sports enthusiast, he remained a lifelong New York Yankees fan and faithfully followed the Colts, Pacers, Fever, and Indiana University athletics.  In his younger years he played basketball and baseball, and in adulthood he enjoyed golf and a variety of recreational sports.

John and his beloved wife, Carolyn (Sottong), celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on April 16, 2025.

John is survived by his darling wife, Carolyn, his children Desiree Duncan of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Mark (Lisa) Duncan of Seattle, Washington; his adopted family Seth and Natalie Lawson of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky; grandchildren Kindra (Caleb) Stanton of Fremont, Michigan, Courtney Lawson of Memphis, Tennessee, Corban Lawson of Lexington, Kentucky and Kaden, Meshach, and Jotham Lawson, all of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bernice Duncan, and his infant brother, Daryl Ray Duncan.

The family will receive callers for visitation on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Windfall Christian Church and on Friday from 10:00-11:00 a.m.  John’s funeral will be held on Friday, December 5 at 11:00 a.m. at Windfall Christian Church with burial to follow at Brookside Cemetery in Windfall with Reverends Josh Borum and Seth Lawson presiding. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the Windfall Christian Church, P.O. Box 126, Windfall, Indiana, 46076 in John’s memory.

The staff of Young-Nichols is honored to assist John’s family in their hour of need. Online condolences for his family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.