John Duggins Jr.

John Calvin Duggins, Jr., of Ovilla, Texas, passed away in his home on March 7, 2019. He was 82 years old. After having his lung removed six years ago, John battled COPD and pneumonia for several months before he succumbed to the illness. As was his last wish, he died at home surrounded by his loving family.

John was born in Marshall, Missouri on May 21, 1937 to Sarah Jane and John Calvin Duggins Sr. The oldest of three children, John grew up learning the hard lessons of the Great Depression, which he forever remembered and passed along to his children and grandchildren. Known for his pragmatism, frugality, and wicked sense of humor, John was always there for those who needed him.

Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere, Man” probably best captures John’s adventurous spirit. He roved from Missouri to Colorado, from Colorado to California, and from California down to San Antonio, working an assortment of odd jobs, before heading back to Columbia, Missouri, where he met his wife, Janet, of fifty-three years. They married on May 29, 1966.

After Janet put her foot down, John finally settled down and attended William Jewel College in Liberty, Missouri, and ultimately obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Northwest Missouri State at Maryville. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After graduating, John took his wife on the road again, working in various aerospace jobs in Huntsville, Alabama, Valley Forge and Honeybrooke, Pennsylvania, and St. Joseph, Missouri. He ultimately landed a job at LTV Aerospace in Grand Prairie, Texas, which eventually became Lockheed Martin. John and his family settled in Ovilla, Texas, and he worked at Lockheed Martin for over thirty years,

John is survived by his siblings, Tom Duggins and Daryl Shipley; his wife, Janet; two children, Natalie and Marc; six grandchildren, Paige, Hailey, Dailen, Calvin, Meredith, and Brent; and one great-grandchild, Zadie; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was beloved and will be missed by all.

Arrangements especially for the Duggins family by Wayne Boze Funeral Home.