There is no more pain for Butch – a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Robert A. “Butch” Duncan of Bayard, Nebraska passed away peacefully on November 10, 2023, with his wife and family by his side. Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff from 4-7 P.M. with Funeral Services at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, November 16 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Bayard with Pastor George Naylor officiating. Burial will follow in Bayard City Cemetery, culminating with a reception at the Bayard American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church or Bayard Volunteer Fire Department. Online Condolences may be left at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com, who is assisting with arrangements.
Butch was born December 29, 1941, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Fred and Rose (McCarter) Duncan. He lived in Bayard all his life, and had one sibling – his sister, Marge. He graduated from Bayard High School in 1960. A few years later he met and married his wife, Betty Ann Vogel on December 6, 1963. During their marriage, they had two daughters; Robin and Holly.
After High school, Butch started out in construction and spent some time at Rein Implement before starting his career at the City of Bayard in 1963. He worked at the City of Bayard for 40 years until his retirement on December 31, 2003.
Butch was active in the community of Bayard. He was a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Bayard, where he was baptized. He was a member of the Bayard Jaycees, as well as a member of the Chimney Rod and Gun Club. Butch always helped with Pioneer Days for as long as he could – and even got kidnapped with his wife, Betty, to be honorary King and Queen. He was recognized for his community service in several ways, including a tree dedication for the Annual Arbor Day celebration, as well as having his name placed on the Volunteer section of the Mike Cillessen Memorial Board from the Bayard Board of Education.
While being very active in the community, Butch also had many other interests, such as drag racing, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, golfing, as well as riding motorcycles. Once retired, he enjoyed taking a ride in the country, checking crops with his friends, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, whether it be fishing or hunting, or just being together at all the large holiday gatherings.
Butch’s true passion came when he joined the Bayard Volunteer Fire Department in 1963. He was a member of the Fire Department for 60 years. He served as the Fire Chief from 1970 until 1995 and as President from 1995 through 2019. Butch was very proud to be a volunteer firefighter. He would do whatever was needed to ensure the fire department was successful, ensuring the community had the best volunteer fire department possible. He also served as President of the North Valley Fireman’s Association. For his service, Butch was awarded a lifetime membership to the Bayard Volunteer Fire Department in 2021.
During the later years of Butch’s life, his wife Betty was by his side, acting as his caregiver until she could no longer provide the care and support Butch required. In early 2022, the decision was made to move Butch to Chimney Rock Villa Nursing home where he spent his final days.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Rose (McCarter) Duncan; an infant brother who died at birth; sister Margie Herman; stepfather Vic Marker; brother-in-law TK Herman; great granddaughter Briar Stuart, and several brother in-laws and sister in-laws.
Butch is survived by Betty, his wife of 59 years; his daughters Robin (Kevin) Stuart, Holly (Gregg) Presson; his grandchildren Amber (James) Mendoza of Scottsbluff, Tyler (Christina) Stuart of Minatare, Derek (Bobbie) Stuart of Bayard, Ryan Presson of Colorado Springs, CO and Madison Presson of Grand Junction, CO; great grandchildren Hayden, Landon, Laikynn, Jason, Brooklynn, and Logan Stuart, along with Camryn and Emma Mendoza; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Butch will be remembered for his loyalty to his family and friends, along with his dedication to the City of Bayard and the Volunteer Fire Department. He carried himself with dignity, strength, and love for those who went before him.