John William Duckers

Dec 15, 2021 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2021 | 9 comments

John W. Duckers passed away peacefully on December 11, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 22, 1948 in Holton, Kansas to the late Harry Duckers, Jr. and Audrey (McHale) Duckers. He attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School, and graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1966, where he was All-Metro and All-State in football and basketball and All-League in baseball. To this day, he is considered one of the top five of all-time three-sport athletes. His freshman year on scholarship at the University of Notre Dame, he played both football and basketball. He transferred to Kansas State University with a football scholarship and graduated in 1971. From then on, he was an avid Wildcats fan and joined the K-State Alumni Association and the Golden Cats. For over 30 years, he worked as a controller for various companies.

John was preceded in death by his nephew Rich Dickason, Jr., and niece Megan Horner. He leaves his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary Ann (Dickason) Duckers; his two sons Chris (Megan) and Chad (Becky); and grandchildren Addie, Zoey, and Emily. He is also survived by his two brothers Dave (Marianne) and Pat (Brenda) and sister Lisa (Dennis) Horner. He also leaves brothers-in-law Bill (Penny), Rich (Cindy), and Brian (Michelle) Dickason and numerous nieces and nephews.

John coached both sons in CYO basketball and loved attending their drama and sports events. Having raised two sons, John never quite understood the drama of his granddaughters, but was a willing spectator at their dance recitals as well as soccer, volleyball, and basketball games. A recent happenstance made “Duck” especially happy: Addie was given a lucky number 11 basketball jersey, the same number he had worn in high school.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on December 21 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Prairie Village. Private graveside. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Ann’s at 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208 or Bishop Ward High School at 708 North Eighteenth Street, Kansas City, KS 66102. The services will be livestreamed at www.stannpv.org/johnduckers. Masks required.

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Sam

1 year ago

Duck, your father was a young man, a very accomplished athlete (just like me – I wish).
Thank you you for sharing Duck.
Wishing you peace and comfort.
Sam

kate Lynch

1 year ago

I was born the year John graduated from high school. He only knew of me. However, as I attended sporting events with my Dad Big Tom Lynch and Harry, I sure heard a lot about John and his athletic abilities. The Duckers and Lynch families have been intertwined for a long time. I am sorry for your loss. Perhaps now that they are all together, Dad, Harry and John can get that sitsuation where dad refereed the game and fouled out John resolved. I am sure Dad is looking forward to that discussion. Rest In Peace John.

TJ Reardon

1 year ago

Great Person associated with Great People. Rest in peace Duck!

Bill Kennedy

1 year ago

Sorry to hear of John’s passing. We were teammates at K-State. My condolences to his family.
Bill Kennedy

Jim Murphy

1 year ago

I knew John from Xerox and as a member of St. Ann’s. He will be missed.

Mike Willard

1 year ago

John was a good man and had a great sense of humor. Enjoyed his contributions through the years.
Mike Willard

Tim Doty

1 year ago

We love you Big John! What an amazing man and role model to all of Chad’s friends, including me of course. We send our love to the entire Duckers Family. You all are amazing, and we pray for strength, peace and comfort for you in each day ahead. Love, The Doty Family

Dennis Gripp

1 year ago

I got to know John when we were teenagers and worked together at Wyandotte County Park. There were two Bishop Ward students that worked at the park with me. John Duckers and Jay Vader. I was a Washington High School student. We developed a good friendship and enjoyed our weed trimming jobs at the park. My sincere condolences to Duck’s family.

Terry Bidnick

1 year ago

Through grade school I lived a few houses from the Duckers. John and I played all sports together, thus we spent a lot of time walking to and from school, experiencing many adventures. We spent a summer playing tennis every day at Klamm Park, and soon were defeating grown men who challenged us in doubles. I long ago left old KCK, and treasure the memories which include John. Best wishes to the family, especially Dave and Marrianne. She also lived close to Klamm park and was one of the gang.

Kind Words

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MHD

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Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

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Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

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