John “Mike” Ducey
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Mike Ducey of Lawrence passed away on June 27, 2017 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was born December 4th, 1937, the son of Jean Sparks Ducey and John Edward Ducey. After growing up in Niles, Michigan and on the original homestead of his mother’s family in Berrien County, Michigan, he graduated from Maryville College (Tennessee) and Princeton Theological Seminary. He served as Pastor of the Freeman Presbyterian Church in Freeman, Missouri, and as Associate Pastor of Southridge Presbyterian Church in Roeland Park, Kansas. Seeking a deeper understanding of man’s relationship to man, the world, and the divine, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Kansas, where he received an M.A. with Honors in Religion and an M.A. and M.Phil. in Philosophy. He served as Assistant Director and Instructor in the Western Civilization program at K.U., and taught courses in the Philosophy department. Later, his career interests took a decided turn toward solving problems of more immediate practical consequence: he worked as a building engineer and as a heating and air conditioning technician, retiring in 2000.
Mike had an enduring interest in the environment, and was an avid backpacker, canoeist, photographer, and woodworker. His quiet commitment to service and social justice led him to a series of volunteer and leadership activities in the community. He was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt Edith L. McCoy. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Constance Bondurant Ducey, of Lawrence; by his brother Jay Patrick Ducey (Mary Gay) of Berkeley, California; his daughter, Michelle Growcock (Bradley) of Baldwin City, Kansas; his son, Mark Ducey (Kathleen O’Brien) of South Berwick, Maine; by four grandchildren, Nathan Growcock (Kayle), Benjamin Growcock, Carter Ducey, and Eva Ducey; one great-grandchild, Adalynn Growcock; and cousin Cathy McCoy (Peter Logan) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A visitation will be held in the Fellowship Hall at West Side Presbyterian Church, 10th and Kasold, in Lawrence at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 1. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 in the church sanctuary. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations may be made in his name to West Side Presbyterian Church in support of its mission to the Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen.
Soo sorry hear bout Mike he was a special Man in my heart
I’ll miss his smile and eyes light up when I say you want a Ruben
Sandwich . Also when he sees family comes I never see him down
He’s was my hero
God bless rip John I’ll miss you buddy
Robyn
I just happened onto Mike’s name and unfortunately found that it was in the form of an obituary. I was a student at Maryville College in the 1958-’59 school year and Mike was assigned the role of my “Big Brother,” since he was an upperclassman and I, a Freshman. I think he got quite a kick out of being my “Big” brother since he was perhaps 5′ 8″ or so and I was about 6′ 2.”
I have wondered over the years whatever happened to my Big Bro. I was pleased to learn from the obit that he had done so well academically and had gone on to serve the Lord in the ministry.
I was also pleased to learn that he married well. I also knew Connie at Maryville and thought very highly of her.
God bless Connie and the family as they go on, despite an empty chair at the table.
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Although this is a difficult time, you can be assured that God cares for your family and can be a source of comfort (2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4). He also promises a time soon when death will be brought to nothing (1 Corinthians 15: 26, Isaiah 25:8). We can look forward to such a joyous time.