D. Duncan Paterson

ADRIAN – D. Duncan Paterson, Sr., 89, of Adrian, passed away Friday, July 27, 2012, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility, surrounded by the family he loved. Born June 7, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the only son of R. Duncan and Helen (Hitchings) Paterson. Duncan was raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, graduating from Grosse Pointe High School in 1941. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Adrian College in 1946 and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Michigan in 1951. While attending Adrian College, Duncan met Alice Louise “Allie Lou” Dennis, whom he married in Detroit on June 21, 1947. Allie Lou, his devoted wife of 65 years, survives. Duncan shared his love of science as a biology teacher at both Adrian High School and Adrian College. In 1981 he retired from Adrian High School with 35 years of service including 23 years teaching, 7 years as a counselor and 5 years as dean of students. He was actively involved with the Adrian YMCA as director of their day camp at Grand Lake in Liberty, Michigan, and leader for the Tri-High Y Youth Club for several years. Duncan had many fond memories of vacations and holidays spent with his Grandma Paterson in Capac, Michigan. Duncan was a member of the Adrian First United Methodist Church serving as Sunday school superintendent, on the board of trustees and on the pastor parish committee. He was a loyal alumnus of Adrian College where he was a member of the ATO Fraternity. He was also a member of the MEA, NEA, and the Retired Teachers Association where he served as president. In retirement, Duncan and Allie Lou enjoyed many winters in Haines City, Florida. He also enjoyed photography, gardening, and keeping current with technology. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their children: Cynthia (David) Luchenbill of St. Charles, MO; Patricia Paterson of Dewitt, MI; D. Duncan (Marsha) Paterson, II of Adrian; and J. Douglas (Karla) Paterson of Ann Arbor; grandchildren: Deborah (Jacob Schloss) Luchenbill, Erin (Timothy LeDoux) Luchenbill, Joshua (Melissa) Zeluff, Derek (Megan) Zeluff, D. Duncan Paterson, III, Danielle (Austin) Wagley, Diedre (Chance) Lauver, Kara Paterson and Heather Paterson; great grandchildren: Ryder, Madden, Miles, Alasdair, Ian, Haley and Taylor; and a sister, Joan Barricklow Armitage of Texas. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Paterson, in infancy. A memorial service celebrating Duncan’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at the Adrian First United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Dawes and Rev. Christopher Brundage officiating. Friends may visit the family at the Wagley Funeral Home on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Contributions in memory of Duncan may be made to Adrian College or Hospice of Lenawee. You may also send condolences to the family at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

D. Duncan Paterson

June 7, 1923 - July 27, 2012