Rusty Robert Russell Duncan

Robert Russell Duncan, 70, died at home on May 13, 2011. Born to Ruth and Russell Duncan on May 17, 1940, Rusty grew up in Corpus Christi, graduating from Corpus Christi Ray High School and attending Del Mar Junior College. A track scholarship brought him to East Texas State University, where he graduated in 1963, later becoming the president of the Ex-Student Association. Most significantly he met, courted, and married the love of his life, Margaret, on August 1, 1964. They moved to Houston where he graduated from the University of Houston’s Law School in 1966 as president of his class.

Rusty began his 45 year law career in Denison, Texas. For the last 35 years, he practiced in Gainesville, beginning in 2010 with Adams, Bennett, and Duncan. He served a president of the Grayson County Bar Association, the Cooke County Bar Association, and was a member of the State Bar of Texas. For three consecutive years (2009-2011), Texas Monthly magazine recognized him on their DFW Area Five Star Wealth Managers for Estate Planning, an elite list representing the top 3% in the region.

Rusty was civic minded and committed to community service in Cooke County, where he was a member of the Rotary Club, served on the Economic Development Foundation, presided as county judge and as president of the North Central Texas College Board of Regents. Deeply religious he faithfully attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Gainesville for 35 years, serving in multiple roles as lay reader, Eucharistic minister, and Senior Warden.

Throughout his life, Rusty’s highest priority was family. He and Margaret filled the lives of their children and grandchildren with fun outings, special trips, and abiding traditions. Because of this unwavering devotion, he leaves behind a wealth of memories that span the range from warm glow to inspiring to downright hilarious. He was a fun loving, happy man, who loved to laugh. He would want to leave us smiling.

Rusty is survived by his wife, Margaret Firmin Duncan, son and wife, Russell and Savanna Duncan, their children Maxey (11), Ellie (8), and Garner (5) of Amarillo; son and wife, Drs. Robert and Virginia Nell Duncan, their children Russell (3) and Blake (1) of San Antonio.

A mass celebrating Rusty’s life will be held Tuesday, May 17th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Gainesville, Texas at 2:00 p.m., conducted by Father Charles Hough, assisted by Father Terry Jordan. Following the service, the family will host a reception at their residence, 628 South Linsday St. The Geo. J. Carroll & Son parking lot will be available for those attending the reception. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 635, Gainesville, 76241 or the Cooke County Home Hospice Building Fund 1011 E. Broadway St., Gainesville, 76240.