705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

William Joseph “Joe” DuncanPassing: September 26, 2026

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Final Call: Tuesday, September 29th @ 6:30pm

Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 29th @ 7:00pm

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Tuesday, September 29th @ 3:00pm-7:00pm

Cemetery:

No Burial

MITCHELL – William Joseph “Joe” Duncan, 78, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2026, at his residence.

Born September 20, 1948, in Lawrence County, he was the son of William H. and Rosella (Lawrence) Duncan.  He married Elaine Barrett on August 3, 1968 and she survives.

Joe began his career working with Teke Burton Trailer Sales, before spending over 50 years as a mechanic with Mitchell Motor Sales.  Additionally, he was a part of the City of Mitchell Fire Department for 32 years, serving as Assistant Fire Chief.  Joe was a part of the Mitchell City Park Board and was instrumental in building the Community Building.  He had many hobbies including: hunting, fishing, watching NASCAR races and football, and listening to polka music.

Surviving are his wife, Elaine Duncan of Mitchell; sons, William “Billy” Duncan of Mitchell and Douglas Michael (Robin) Duncan of Springville; grandchildren, Tanner (Chloe) Duncan of Bedford and Donovan Scott King of Springville; great-grandchildren, Liam Duncan, Hank Duncan, and Edith Duncan; and siblings, Larry (Glenda) Duncan of Mitchell, Roger Duncan of Mitchell, Barney Duncan of Bedford, and Tyler (Tammy) Duncan of Mitchell.                                       

His parents; son, Jason Duane Duncan; siblings, Bonnie Torrance, John Sanders, and Paul Duncan; and in-laws, Larry Torrance and Connie Duncan, preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Steve Warren officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service, Tuesday, at the funeral home.  The firefighter final call ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. prior to the service.

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17 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Tammy Sanders Firda | Pennsylvania
    Date: October 2, 2026
    I know we moved away young. I still have the most fondest memories of my childhood in Mitchell. Uncle Joe was always so good to us kids and we loved to see him. May you rest in peace. My condolences to you Aunt Elaine and family.
  2. Guest: Elaine Shoults Raeburn | Escondido, Ca.
    Date: September 30, 2026
    We all grew up together. Maybe as kids we would be together at Salvation Army. Sorry to hear about his passing. He made a difference in our little town while a lot of us moved away
  3. Guest: Joni (Grissom)Webb | Mitchell In
    Date: September 30, 2026
    My deepest condolences to his wife to his family and friends -Joe n Elaine were customers of mine for few years and I enjoyed waiting on them I will always remember him for being funny- to the point but nice to me -he always respected my to the point personality as well he will be missed by so many
  4. Guest: Jackie Grimes | Mitchell, IN
    Date: September 29, 2026
    Sending prayers and condolences to Elaine and the family. Joe was truly one of the good ones. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss..
  5. Guest: Mark Craft | Indianapolis, In 46239
    Date: September 29, 2026
    Joe has been a part of my family since I was 9 years old. He was the friendliest guy you’d ever want to meet! I remember him coming to my rescue when my car had broke down one time. He got me fixed up, and back on the road. Of course, you could usually find him doing something for Teke or Richard around the Ford Garage. He was always on the move..while always taking the time to say hello.. Rest in Peace Joe! Mark Craft
  6. Guest: Paul Duncan Jr. | Valparaiso, Indiana
    Date: September 29, 2026
    Condolences to the family, especially Elaine, Billy, and Doug. I’ll miss you Uncle Joe. 🖤
  7. Guest: Jan Reynolds | Mitchell
    Date: September 28, 2026
    Billy and Doug....I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad.
  8. Guest: Scott Fields | Mitchell, IN
    Date: September 28, 2026
    Big Larry and Douglas, So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother and dad. I remember him at the Ford garage when Richard and I were aggravating everyone there back in the day. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace, ~pete
  9. Guest: Mary Ann | Bedford Indians
    Date: September 28, 2026
    Thank you so much. 😊
  10. Guest: Sissy Terry Sproles | Mitchell, IN
    Date: September 27, 2026
    Joe - one of us Mitchell Motor Sales bunch - was a good friend and fellow employee for many years. Joe would do anything for his friends. He and Harley and Teke had a special relationship and loyalty with each other. He was a special friend. Prayers for the family. I'll never forget him.
  11. Guest: James H Ely | Bowling Green
    Date: September 27, 2026
    Joe and I were about same age. I was around 8 months older . Joe was one of the first Friends I made when we moved to Mitchell in 63 or 64. Joe's was a super nice guy. My prayers to Elaine and Family.
  12. Guest: Chuck Cooper & Denny Kirk | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: September 27, 2026
    Joe and I have been best friends our entire lives. We were very close. I left Mitchell for a few years, but we always remained best friends. The last few years after Ford auto shutdown and moved to Bedford, Denny Kirk and I would meet Joe for coffee every morning at 5:30am. We talked about everything and truly enjoyed ourselves Denny and I are still close, but we are really going to miss Joe. R.I.P. brother. Chuck Cooper & Denny Kirk
  13. Guest: Daniel Rasche | Shoals
    Date: September 27, 2026
    We will take it from here. Godspeed brother and Rest in Peace.
  14. Guest: Tony and Diane Nugent | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: September 27, 2026
    Thank you for helping Mitchell ,Indiana for All Your Life.Fly High.
  15. Guest: Jenny Mann | Goose Creek, South Carolina
    Date: September 27, 2026
    Joe will be missed by many who loved him! Rest in peace Joe My prayers and condolences are with the family
  16. Guest: Randy Prewitt | Bedford Indiana
    Date: September 27, 2026
    Knowed Joe many years he was a good guy
  17. Guest: Violet McWilliams | Dayton Oh
    Date: September 27, 2026
    Joe will be missed I have known Joe and Elaine since they were teenagers.