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John Michael Ducey

John Michael Ducey obituary

John Ducey Obituary

Mike Ducey of Lawrence passed away on June 27, 2017 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was born December 4th, 1937, the son of Jean Sparks Ducey and John Edward Ducey. After growing up in Niles, Michigan and on the original homestead of his mother's family in Berrien County, Michigan, he graduated from Maryville College (Tennessee) and Princeton Theological Seminary. He served as Pastor of the Freeman Presbyterian Church in Freeman, Missouri, and as Associate Pastor of Southridge Presbyterian Church in Roeland Park, Kansas. Seeking a deeper understanding of man's relationship to man, the world, and the divine, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Kansas, where he received an M.A. with Honors in Religion and an M.A. and M.Phil. in Philosophy. He served as Assistant Director and Instructor in the Western Civilization program at K.U., and taught courses in the Philosophy department. Later, his career interests took a decided turn toward solving problems of more immediate practical consequence: he worked as a building engineer and as a heating and air conditioning technician, retiring in 2000.

Mike had an enduring interest in the environment, and was an avid backpacker, canoeist, photographer, and woodworker. His quiet commitment to service and social justice led him to a series of volunteer and leadership activities in the community. He was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt Edith L. McCoy. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Constance Bondurant Ducey, of Lawrence; by his brother Jay Patrick Ducey (Mary Gay) of Berkeley, California; his daughter, Michelle Growcock (Bradley) of Baldwin City, Kansas; his son, Mark Ducey (Kathleen O'Brien) of South Berwick, Maine; by four grandchildren, Nathan Growcock (Kayle), Benjamin Growcock, Carter Ducey, and Eva Ducey; one great-grandchild, Adalynn Growcock; and cousin Cathy McCoy (Peter Logan) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A visitation will be held in the Fellowship Hall at West Side Presbyterian Church, 10th and Kasold, in Lawrence at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 1. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 in the church sanctuary. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations may be made in his name to West Side Presbyterian Church in support of its mission to the Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World from Jun. 28 to Jun. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Ducey

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Melissa Birch

July 22, 2017

Dear Connie, So sorry to hear of your husband's passing. We'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Beth Ann Bittlingmayer

July 7, 2017

Dear Connie and Family - I will fondly remember Mike's smiles, his wittiness, and his penchant for one liners. It was a joy to be able to have a window into his life.

With Deepest Condolences, Beth Ann Bittlingmayer

Val Alexander Renault

July 6, 2017

So sad to see this news. As the Greeks say, May his memory be eternal. I know he remains with you, Connie, and your family.

Prakash Shenoy

July 2, 2017

Connie, Our sincere condolences for the sad news. I am currently in San Francisco airport waiting to connect to a flight to Xi'an China, where I will be for a week. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Sam Segraves

June 30, 2017

Mike, your spirit will live on in all of us who you blessed with your friendship. We are all better persons because of it. May your next journey be safe and swift.

Bob Soetaert

June 30, 2017

I worked with Mike at Scott. It was such a pleasure to work with him. Always pleasant, customers loved him, and he seemed to have a personal relationship with each one.
We talked of his love of canoeing, camping, which was fascinating to me how he enjoyed it. I remember being flabbergasted how expensive canoeing was. Found out a canoe is not just a canoe.
Truly a special man. Well done, good and faithful servant.

June 29, 2017

Dear Connie,
I learned of the sad news and want you to know that I will be thinking of you and your family. Even though it was a long time ago, I remember your talking about Mike and your family and was always pleased about your activities and joys. May you be strong during the coming weeks and remember fondly your 55 years with Mike.
With warm regards to you and the children, Renate.

Rhetta Jo Noever

June 29, 2017

Connie, I am sorry to read about Mike's passing. I did not know he was ill. I know you will greatly miss him, take care of yourself. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Kathy Eisman

June 29, 2017

We enjoyed having Mr. Ducey as one of our residents, he had a great spirit and enthusiasm about himself and others. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.

Jim Woelfel

June 29, 2017

Dear Connie,
Sarah and I read with sadness the obituary notice of Mike's death, and we want to convey to you and your children our deepest sympathy. I have fond memories of Mike as a graduate student in religious studies and then philosophy. I believe he was my first or second M.A. thesis student in religious studies.
I also kept up with him during the years you were the Philosophy Department secretary. Much later we enjoyed seeing Mike in his capacity as "our" engineer at Scott Temperature, doing his semi-annual maintenance visit and the occasional repair job. He always seemed to enjoy and be endlessly interested in life and the world around him. I know you'll miss him very much.
Warmest regards,
Jim Woelfel

Bill & Bonna Carpenter

June 28, 2017

Sending our Deepest Sympathy. May Peace be with you and your family at this difficult time of loss.

Bob Bondurant

June 28, 2017

Dear Connie,
We were very sorry to hear about Mike. Rhonda & I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs from your cousin Bob & Rhonda

Marilyn Brown

June 28, 2017

Connie,
I remember Mike as being soft-spoken, but with a wonderful sense of humor and a gentle spirit.

Richard and I enjoyed the visits over time that we had with both of you when you came East to spend time with Kate Mark and the grandkids.

I think I know firsthand what a difficult time this has been for you and the children. The only thing that will ease the sorrow of loss is time. I can only tell you what others told me. In time the sorrow will fade, and the good memories will begin coming forward.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Brown

June 28, 2017

Mike was a really, really nice guy. I much regret not trying to get in touch recently. I'm sorry, Connie.

Don Marquis

Chad Frickey

June 28, 2017

Thank you for all the memories. Paddling won't be the same without you.

Debra Diehl

June 28, 2017

I love this picture of Mike and I will always remember him as smiling and being outdoors. I will miss our driveway conversations. I miss him.

Kati Bennett

June 28, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel

120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044

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