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Robert D. Duckworth Send Condolences
Robert D. “Bob” Duckworth, 100 Belle Acres, Scott Depot, formerly of Fayetteville, Ga., passed away on Friday, November 6, 2009.
Bob was born in Wood County and was a graduate of Parkersburg High School. From there, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for four-and-a-half years. He then attended Marshall University, where he graduated with a BA in speech. He received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His service included: instructor, Airborne Department, Fort Benning, Georgia; and infantry platoon leader and staff officer, 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii and Vietnam. Mr. Duckworth obtained the rank of captain. During his service, Bob was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Parachute Badge.
After resigning his commission from the U.S. Army in 1966, Mr. Duckworth held positions in private industry as human resources administrator for St. Joseph's Hospital, Parkersburg; and human relations/training and industrial relations manager for FMC Corporation in Philadelphia, Pa., South Charleston, and Nitro. During his tenure with FMC, he also acted as media relations specialist and contract negotiations specialist with the steelworkers industry. In 1985, Bob moved to Atlanta, Ga., where he was employed by the U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson. In this position, he worked in the Public Affairs Division where he served under General Colin Powell. Mr. Duckworth also served as public affairs director for the National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, Va. During his years in Georgia, Bob also worked as a human resource consultant, teaching leadership courses and human resources/media relations.
Mr. Duckworth is survived by his wife, Karen Kallmerten Duckworth; and daughter, Sara, both at home. He is also survived by his two sons, Gregory (Christine) of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and James of Charleston, S.C. He has two grandsons, Brandon and Trevor Duckworth, also of North Myrtle Beach, S.C. He is survived by his brother, Retired Lt. Col. Charles H. (Susan) Duckworth of Peachtree City, Ga. He leaves behind nieces and nephews in both Charleston and in Peachtree City, Ga.
He was the son of Charles and Berdetta Bissell Duckworth, formerly of Vienna/Parkersburg, both of whom predeceased him in death.
Bob was a former member of Calvary Church of the Nazarene, Sissonville, and a current member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Nitro. Bob fought his bravest battle of all during the last 14 years of his life, as he died of cancer, which was service-related. Bob's life was dedicated to God, his country, his family, and his church, where he served in various committee and/or leadership positions. Bob's gifts of numerous video productions have been viewed by many and will be a legacy for his family.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, November 8, at Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro.
There will be a service/military tribute at 11 a.m. Monday in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens with the Rev. Mark Smith officiating and Ms. Jeanne McCutcheon of Sissonville delivering a eulogy. The service will be conducted in the West Virginia Memorial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25312, or to Putnam Care and Rehabilitation Center, Teays Valley.
Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro, is in charge of burial arrangements.
Bob's family would like to express their love and thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Putnam Care & Rehab, who were devoted to his care during these last months of his life. Also, special appreciation goes to Kanawha County Ambulance Authority, Chaplain Mike Jarrett and his staff, for their dedication and honor to Bob's service in the United States Army. A special thank you goes to the team members of HospiceCare, who so lovingly cared and supported Bob and his family through this process of Bob's passing. Bob was especially blessed and comforted in his last days by his wonderful brother, Chuck and wife, Susan, as well as his dear sister-in-law, Evelyn Kallmerten.
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