JERRY SHARPE DUNCAN
December 23, 1936 to October 1, 2022
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Jerry's Obituary

Jerry Sharpe Duncan was born in Shawnee, OK on December 23, 1936 and left this earth on October 1, 2022. He was a proud “Britton Boy” and proudly boasted of being a liberal among conservatives and a SOONER among Cowboys.

Jerry attended Britton Elementary School and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1955. He earned a Petroleum Engineering degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1959 and a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1962. While at OU he was president of his fraternity, Delta Kappa Epsilon. He was also a founding member of the John Marshall Foundation.

He practiced law for over 40 years in Oklahoma and Tennessee. He always felt everyone deserved their day in court no matter what the offense and did many hours of pro bono work.

Jerry was a man of many interests. He enjoyed teaching and was a mentor to young lawyers as well as an adjunct professor at Tennessee Tech University. He loved golf and traveled throughout the United States and beyond with a dear group of friends. He was a talented woodworker, photographer and Scotch drinker. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting anything that was in season as well as fishing. He took great pride in raising and training his bird dogs. He especially treasured his time at the lake camping when his children were young, driving the boat while they all skied behind.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years Ellen, his children Jay Duncan (Jackie) of Cookeville, TN, Lorri Magrini of Oklahoma City, and Laney Laws (Marvin) of Tuttle, OK, 7 grandchildren, Josh, Jessie, Sophie, Colaney, Izzy, Ripley, and Maggie, and 6 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends as well as many fond memories of fun times. His family and friends will miss him dearly. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Iva Lee Duncan (Bazhaw), as well as his older brothers Don and Ted. 

In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, the family would appreciate donations to the John Marshall Foundation, 9500 Henley Ave., OKC, OK 73131.

Jerry’s memorial service will be held at Crossings Community Church Chapel, 14600 N. Portland Ave., on Tuesday, October 11, at 11:00 am.