TITLE: In memory of Robert Gaylan Duncan of Victoria.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert Gaylan Duncan of Victoria.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of Robert Gaylan Duncan of Victoria, who passed away on November 13, 2016, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, Gaylan Duncan was born in Tivoli on January 19, 1934, the youngest of the eight children of Joseph and Mamie Mae Duncan; following his graduation from Austwell-Tivoli High School, he attended Victoria College and went on to complete courses of study at the Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science and the National Foundation of Funeral Service School of Management; as a young man during the Korean War, he answered his nation's call to duty and served in the United States Army; and WHEREAS, Mr. Duncan enjoyed a fulfilling career in the funeral service industry that spanned five and a half decades; after gaining experience at various funeral homes in Victoria and Houston, he opened Colonial Funeral Home in Victoria in 1969; he later expanded the business to other parts of Texas, eventually operating 29 funeral homes and 3 cemeteries before his retirement at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan was active in a host of professional organizations, and in recognition of his eminent stature in his field, he was selected as the 1984-1985 Outstanding Funeral Director of the Year by the Texas Funeral Directors Association; he also gave generously of his time and talents to a host of civic, faith-based, and fraternal organizations; a life member of Optimist International and president of three Rotary Clubs, he chaired the Victoria County United Way and the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, led the board of the Victoria Senior Citizens Association, and served as a member of the Victoria Planning Commission; in 1991, he was honored as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year in Victoria; Mr. Duncan was additionally a longtime parishioner and member of the board of Holy Family Catholic Church, and he held a number of offices in the Knights of Columbus; he was appointed to the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II; and WHEREAS, Mr. Duncan was a devoted husband to his wife, the former Ella Wepreck, with whom he shared a rewarding marriage of nearly six decades; today, the couple's treasured family includes daughters and sons-in-law Gail and Russell Janecka and Mary and Scott Joy, as well as grandchildren Robert and his wife Sarah, Julie, Kevin, and Megan, and a great-grandson, Elliott; and WHEREAS, Gaylan Duncan lived a rich and purposeful life centered on his faith, his family, and his community, and he will long be remembered with deep affection by all who knew him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Robert Gaylan Duncan and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gaylan Duncan. Morrison Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2016 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 25, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House