John Henry Duncan

John Henry Duncan III, affectionately known as “Esquire,” laid down his earthly body to receive the eternal gift of life with Jesus Christ as his Savior. He passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio.

John was born in Orange, Texas, to Cyrus Lee Duncan and Betty Jaye Duncan. As a proud Navy brat, he spent his childhood living throughout the United States. One of his favorite places was Poland, Indiana, where the family settled following his father’s retirement from the Navy in 1955. There, John enjoyed riding short distances to his grandparents’ farm and learned the trade of wiring homes through his father’s business, Duncan Electric.

John attended Spencer High School and later studied art and business at Indiana University, earning an associate degree in commercial art. He then joined the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63), completing two tours of duty during the Vietnam War.

While serving in the Navy, John met his sister’s college roommate, Marsha “Terry” Marshall. It was love at first sight. They were married on July 14, 1968, and honeymooned by driving from French Lick, Indiana, to their first home in San Diego, California. Shortly after, John returned to sea for his second deployment, leaving Terry in their home in Pacific Beach, California.

Following his military service, John faced the challenges many Vietnam veterans experienced when seeking employment. A kind Christian man gave him the opportunity to learn the TV and stereo electronics business, which eventually led John and Terry to Laguna Niguel, California, where they purchased their first home. There, they were blessed with the greatest gift of their lives—their only child, Kimberly Noelle Duncan.

John had a lifelong love of working with wood. What began as refinishing oak furniture for their home grew into a successful side business. In 1975, he purchased a large antique business complete with his own refinishing shop. As market demands shifted, John and Terry chose to return to French Lick, Indiana, to be closer to family. John became a volunteer Firefighter and continued owning and operating his business until a stroke in 1994. After his recovery, he resumed his work on a smaller scale.

John enjoyed collecting arrowheads, coins, and cars. His favorite and final home was a cabin in Paoli, Indiana, surrounded by woods. There, he hunted in his backyard and fished at his favorite nearby spots.

John came to know God as his Savior and boldly shared the Gospel—sometimes to the point of being considered “obnoxious.” But his heart’s desire was for everyone he met to know Jesus Christ and be given the opportunity to accept Him as their Savior.

Throughout his life, John battled multiple health issues. His daughter Kim was a constant advocate, helping ensure he received the best care possible. In 2011, John and Terry relocated to Ohio to be closer to Kim, building a home together with an in-law suite. As grandparents, they cherished watching three grandchildren grow, while Kim remained devoted to caring for her father.

In December 2024, John chose hospice care, having grown weary of hospitals. Even in his final days at Kobacker House, he continued sharing his faith. Though his body fought to remain, on Tuesday evening his soul departed his tired body and entered eternal rest.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and brothers-in-law Grant Marshall Jr. and Barry Marshall.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Terry; daughter Kim Housden; son-in-law Chris; grandchildren Christopher Gage, Alana, and Luke; granddaughter-in-law Olivia; great-grandchild Stone; his sister Donna Tarrance (husband David) of French Lick, Indiana; special cousins Charles “Bill” Goddard of Texas and Nancy (Goddard) Cox (husband Dubby) of Bloomington, Indiana; as well as nieces, nephews, and cherished sisters-in-law Ruth Dickey Marshall and Lynne (Rex) Marshall.

John would be the first to tell you to give your life to Christ.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Columbus Bible Chapel in Powell, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Answers in Genesis, Living Waters, Columbus Bible Chapel, or Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio.

John’s final message to all: “Know Jesus.” John 3:16–21