Gerald Lee "Jerry" Duncan, Sr.

Gerald Lee Duncan, Sr.

Gerald Lee Duncan, Sr., of Owenton, Kentucky, known to most as Jerry or Big Jerry, met his Lord and Savior with his family by his side on August 27, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky, at the age of 79.

Jerry was born on November 2, 1946, in Owen County, Kentucky, to the late Raymond Howard and Mary Kathleen Kincaid Duncan. He lived a life rooted in faith, family, and love for those around him, leaving behind cherished memories for all who knew him.  Jerry’s childhood was spent in Lusby’s Mill in Owen County, Kentucky, alongside his five brothers and one sister. Some of his favorite memories to share were of his brothers’ and cousins’ mischief on the farm and the caring love his only sister gave to her brothers.  As he grew up, Jerry often told stories of his brothers, cousins, and later his sisters- and brothers-in-law ‘running around town’ and enjoying time together.

On May 12, 1967, Jerry was united in marriage to his lifelong sweetheart, Donna Dean Vannarsdall.  Their 56 years together were a testament to devotion, partnership, and enduring love. Together, they farmed and built successful businesses known to many Owen Countians as Duncan’s Grocery, Jerry’s Texaco, and Jerry’s Construction.  Through their talents in the construction business, Jerry and Donna built houses that became homes for many families throughout Owen and the surrounding counties.

In recent years, Jerry joined his daughter, April, in the floral and remembrance business in Owen County, providing many friends and families with gifts and florals in honor of their loved ones. Jerry considered it a privilege to be entrusted with that honor alongside his daughter, and he often spoke of how meaningful it was for others to give him the privilege.

Jerry shared his creative talents with all around him through handmade heirloom gifts of furniture, miniature houses, birdhouses, and artistic paintings. An award-winning creative, he freely gave of the talents bestowed on him by his Lord, blessing his children and many others with heirlooms made by his hands and from his heart.

Jerry was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Pleasant Home, Kentucky, and a former member of Lusby’s Mill Baptist Church, where he was baptized and where he and Donna raised their children to walk in faith. On their family farm, they taught by example the values of hard work, resilience, patience, responsibility, and the lasting importance of family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna; his parents; four brothers, Bobby, David, Billy and Larry Duncan; his grandson, Buford Junior Barron III; and his dear aunt and uncle, Wilma and Harold Hughes.

Jerry is survived by his children, April Lee Duncan of Owenton, Kentucky; Jerry Duncan (Little Jerry) and his wife, Beth, of Georgetown, Kentucky; and Mary Annette Barron and her husband, Buford, of Midway, Kentucky. His grandchildren, Amanda Adams and her husband, Zack, of Georgetown, Kentucky; Casey Caldwell and her husband, Alex, of Sadieville, Kentucky; Christian Duncan and his wife, Olivia, of Paris, Kentucky; Justin White of Georgetown, Kentucky; Duncan Barron of Arlington, Virginia; and Harrison Barron of Midway, Kentucky, will miss visiting and reminiscing with him. His great-grandchildren, Carson, Ava, Ezra, KayeLeigh, and Emersyn, will miss Great-Grandad’s tea parties and the latest ballgame talks.

Jerry is also survived by his brother, Johnny Duncan, with whom he shared many close memories in recent years, and his favorite sister, Kathy Duncan, both of Owenton, Kentucky. Jerry loved to say Kathy was his favorite sister, grinning as he reminded everyone, she was his only sister. He is also survived by several brothers- and sisters- in-law, whom he considered dear friends, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he cherished and with whom he shared many good times and memories.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Elliston-Stanley Funeral Home in Williamstown, Kentucky, followed by burial in the Owenton IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will also be held Saturday from 10:30 am to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Christian Duncan, Justin White, Duncan Barron, Harrison Barron, Alex Caldwell, and Zack Adams. Honorary pallbearers are Amanda Adams, Casey Caldwell, Brian Richards, and Eddie Humble.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you for the loving care given to Jerry during his journey home by the care teams of Baptist Health Lexington 2A ICU, 5B Palliative Care, and Bluegrass Care Navigators.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jerry to Lusby’s Mill Baptist Church in Owenton, Kentucky or Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Pleasant Home, Kentucky.