Melvin Ray Duncan Sr. was born in Lynch, Kentucky on November 19, 1947, to the late Frank Freeman Duncan and Annie Beatrice (Bee Hudson) Duncan. His two brothers James Edward Duncan (1934-1983) and Reginald Hartford Duncan(1945-2010) were also born in Lynch, Kentucky. He received his 9th-11th grade education from Lynch Colored High School and graduated from East Main High School in 1964 at the age of sixteen. He then went on to complete his freshman year of college at the University of Kentucky. In 1967 following his first year of college, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio.

 Later that same year he was drafted into the United States Army where he served for two years in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War. In December 1969, he returned to the USPS where he met Deborah Johnson — who was later to become the love of his life. Melvin spent his career in the service of the United States Postal Service. He began working as an office clerk in 1967, and through hard work and gifted leadership, was promoted several times throughout the years. Melvin retired as US Postal Service Airport General in 2002. During his years in management, Melvin was known for treating his staff like family, helping people beyond the call of duty, and making sure those under his leadership were well-served.

                In 1977, Melvin and Debbie were married and from their union came two beautiful children – Melissa Duncan Clements (1980) and Melvin Ray Duncan Jr.(1985). One thing Melvin Jr. and Melissa loved about their dad was his patience and empathy. Growing up, they watched their father treat those around him with love and compassion. Melvin never talked down on others and instilled in them the importance of helping people when given the opportunity. The two also admired the way he always seemed to know something about every subject and took the time to explain every little thing to them as children. Melissa took joy in watching him continue to do so with his grandchildren.

 Melvin accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at a young age and maintained a strong faith throughout his life. He became a founding and charter member of New Community Bible Fellowship in 1994, serving on the first pastoral leadership team along with Pastor Kevin James, his brother-in-law, and Jimmy Mimes, his life-long friend. One of Melvin’s favorite passages in the Bible was Psalm 23. He was highly respected and loved amongst his coworkers, family, and friends. He was known for his love of cars, history, nature, and was notorious for hanging out in his garage—his sacred place. The place where he shared his life with family and friends as well as his many nuggets of wisdom.

 He is preceded in death by his mother Annie, his father Frank, and his two elder brothers Sonny and Reggie. Melvin’s memories will be cherished by his devoted and beloved wife Deborah of 45 years; his children Melvin Jr.(Jasmine) and Melissa; son-in-law Nate; his four grandchildren BrookLynne, Ace, Major, and Phoenix, and a host of family and friends.

Melvin Ray Duncan Sr. was born in Lynch, Kentucky on November 19, 1947, to the late Frank Freeman Duncan and Annie Beatrice (Bee Hudson) Duncan. His two brothers James Edward Duncan (1934-1983) and Reginald Hartford Duncan(1945-2010) were also born in Lynch, Kentucky. He received his 9th-11th grade education from Lynch Colored High School and graduated from East Main High School in 1964 at the age of sixteen. He then went on to complete his freshman year of college at the University of Kentucky. In 1967 following his first year of college, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio.

 Later that same year he was drafted into the United States Army where he served for two years in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War. In December 1969, he returned to the USPS where he met Deborah Johnson — who was later to become the love of his life. Melvin spent his career in the service of the United States Postal Service. He began working as an office clerk in 1967, and through hard work and gifted leadership, was promoted several times throughout the years. Melvin retired as US Postal Service Airport General in 2002. During his years in management, Melvin was known for treating his staff like family, helping people beyond the call of duty, and making sure those under his leadership were well-served.

                In 1977, Melvin and Debbie were married and from their union came two beautiful children – Melissa Duncan Clements (1980) and Melvin Ray Duncan Jr.(1985). One thing Melvin Jr. and Melissa loved about their dad was his patience and empathy. Growing up, they watched their father treat those around him with love and compassion. Melvin never talked down on others and instilled in them the importance of helping people when given the opportunity. The two also admired the way he always seemed to know something about every subject and took the time to explain every little thing to them as children. Melissa took joy in watching him continue to do so with his grandchildren.

 Melvin accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at a young age and maintained a strong faith throughout his life. He became a founding and charter member of New Community Bible Fellowship in 1994, serving on the first pastoral leadership team along with Pastor Kevin James, his brother-in-law, and Jimmy Mimes, his life-long friend. One of Melvin’s favorite passages in the Bible was Psalm 23. He was highly respected and loved amongst his coworkers, family, and friends. He was known for his love of cars, history, nature, and was notorious for hanging out in his garage—his sacred place. The place where he shared his life with family and friends as well as his many nuggets of wisdom.

 He is preceded in death by his mother Annie, his father Frank, and his two elder brothers Sonny and Reggie. Melvin’s memories will be cherished by his devoted and beloved wife Deborah of 45 years; his children Melvin Jr.(Jasmine) and Melissa; son-in-law Nate; his four grandchildren BrookLynne, Ace, Major, and Phoenix, and a host of family and friends.