Wayne Duncan, age 84 of Princeton, was born on December 12, 1941, in Jacksonville, Florida. He departed this life peacefully at his home on January 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family while holding his wife's hand. Wayne lived a life rich in service, faith, and love, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
For 27 years, Wayne served as the Operations Manager at Goodyear Tire Rubber in Madisonville, Kentucky, and later spent 20 years as a Sales Manager at Modern Woodmen of America. At the age of 58, he felt a calling to serve a greater purpose and surrendered to the ministry. Over the next years, Wayne dedicated himself to pastoral work, guiding many through their spiritual journeys as he served as pastor at Woodlawn Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church, Green Hill Baptist Church and Walnut Grove Baptist Church. He also held the interim pastorate role at Maple Grove Baptist Church, preaching in over 200 churches throughout his ministry. His faith and devotion to his Savior were a cornerstone of his life, shining brightly in his words and actions.
Wayne was not only a dedicated minister but also a diligent and proud veteran, having served in the United States Army. In recognition of his contributions and service, he was honored with the title of Kentucky Colonel, a testament to his character and service to the community.
In his personal life, Wayne was known for his jovial spirit and love for family, always ready with a joke or a kind word. His love for University of Kentucky basketball and St. Louis Cardinal baseball provided him with great joy. However, what he cherished most was the time spent talking about his faith and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
Wayne's proudest accomplishments were undoubtedly his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Evonne Duncan; sons Terry Duncan (Tawana) of Madisonville, Robert Duncan (Chelsea) of Daphne, Alabama; and his cherished grandchildren, Kesha Springfield (Jeremy) and Jordan Burgess (Dustin). His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Brenton Springfield, Braydon Springfield, Olivia Burgess, and Aubree Burgess, along with his loyal fur baby, Apollo.
He is remembered with love by his sisters: Nina Almon of Madisonville, Carolyn Faulk (Tony) of Earlington, Linda Kay Scott of Port Saint Lucie, and Rita Chadwick (Gerald) of Madisonville, as well as a sister-in-law, Sherry Duncan of Nortonville.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Goldie Duncan, his daughter Kathy Mumma, son-in-law Doug Mumma, brother Randy Duncan, Wallace Duncan (Rita), brother-in-law Charles Scott, and sisters Dorothy Byrum (Max), Dean Height (Carmen), and Barbara Duncan, along with two infant siblings, Ronnie Duncan and Shirley Duncan.
A visitation will be held at Goodman Funeral Home in Princeton, Kentucky, on January 21, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on January 22, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service will follow on January 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM with Bro. Terry Rhye officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Morton's Gap. One of his favorite scriptures, John 14:1, resonates with his journey: "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me."
Wayne leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends. In Bro. Wayne Duncan's words, "I will see you in Heaven, what a time we will have forever."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International at https://gideons.org/donate.
Goodman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Duncan family.
