Obituary for John David "JD" Duckworth Sr.
John David (JD) Duckworth Sr, 78, of Shawnee, KS was called to take his last ride in the final go-around on this earth on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at KU Medical Center.
John was born to George and Nelly (Pat) Duckworth on March 12, 1944 in Kansas City, KS and graduated from Pacific High School in Pacific, MO in 1962. Upon graduation, he left for Texas to attend the Elmer Seibold Horseshoeing School to learn the craft of being a farrier and blacksmith, that would guide his life and his career. In 1965, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard, where he spent 5 years as an active and reserve serviceman and was honorably discharged in 1970. While serving in the military, he would meet the love of his life, Frances Lynn and married her in 1967.
In 1967, he established The Blacksmith Shop and created a living and a life as a farrier and blacksmith. He was blessed to be able to make a living doing what he loved, which was working with horses. His greatest passion was the horses he worked on, and his greatest reward was the recognition he received from their owners. He became an expert in lameness in horses and was called upon by respected veterinarians all over, including those from K State and Columbia, MO, to help the horse become sound or more comfortable. He spent many years working with the American Royal Rodeo and loved bringing the ranch rodeo to the program. He enjoyed his time riding with The Posse of Saddle and Sirloin and volunteered countless hours to Flint Hills Rodeo as well. John loved the horse for all the horse was.
When he was not working under a horse, he also worked in his shop as a blacksmith. He stood by the motto that a blacksmith didn’t buy what they needed, they built it. He built many trailers, estate gates, and truck bumpers; there was nothing he couldn’t build from raw iron. He also repaired many types of farm equipment, often into the wee hours of the night, so a farmer could return to the field. In his later years he started into woodworking as well, carving his own cigar store Indian from cedar wood.
John loved fishing and hunting for his entire life. He spent many days on the lake fishing for crappie and white bass, in the woods deer hunting, and in the fields bird hunting. His annual pheasant hunting trip in western Kansas was a tradition that he later enjoyed with his sons and grandsons.
John is survived by his wife Frances Duckworth of the home; his sons John Duckworth Jr and wife Tish of Shawnee, KS; and Mark Duckworth and wife Debbie of Grain Valley, MO. He is also survived by his five grandchildren and spouses and two great-grandchildren; John David III, his wife Kelsie and their son, Camden of Shawnee KS; Andrew Duckworth, his wife Shelby and their son, Maverick of Overland Park, KS; Devin Duckworth of Shawnee, KS; Cassidy Duckworth of Basehor, KS; and Shane Duckworth of Grain Valley, MO.
Services will be held at Monticello Unite Methodist Church on Thursday, September 1, 2022. The address is 23860 W. 75th Street in Shawnee, KS 66227. A viewing will be held from noon-2pm and funeral services will begin promptly at 2pm in the sanctuary with a burial following. A light luncheon will be served following the graveside service at the church, where all can share stories of John’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Monticello United Methodist Church.
John was born to George and Nelly (Pat) Duckworth on March 12, 1944 in Kansas City, KS and graduated from Pacific High School in Pacific, MO in 1962. Upon graduation, he left for Texas to attend the Elmer Seibold Horseshoeing School to learn the craft of being a farrier and blacksmith, that would guide his life and his career. In 1965, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard, where he spent 5 years as an active and reserve serviceman and was honorably discharged in 1970. While serving in the military, he would meet the love of his life, Frances Lynn and married her in 1967.
In 1967, he established The Blacksmith Shop and created a living and a life as a farrier and blacksmith. He was blessed to be able to make a living doing what he loved, which was working with horses. His greatest passion was the horses he worked on, and his greatest reward was the recognition he received from their owners. He became an expert in lameness in horses and was called upon by respected veterinarians all over, including those from K State and Columbia, MO, to help the horse become sound or more comfortable. He spent many years working with the American Royal Rodeo and loved bringing the ranch rodeo to the program. He enjoyed his time riding with The Posse of Saddle and Sirloin and volunteered countless hours to Flint Hills Rodeo as well. John loved the horse for all the horse was.
When he was not working under a horse, he also worked in his shop as a blacksmith. He stood by the motto that a blacksmith didn’t buy what they needed, they built it. He built many trailers, estate gates, and truck bumpers; there was nothing he couldn’t build from raw iron. He also repaired many types of farm equipment, often into the wee hours of the night, so a farmer could return to the field. In his later years he started into woodworking as well, carving his own cigar store Indian from cedar wood.
John loved fishing and hunting for his entire life. He spent many days on the lake fishing for crappie and white bass, in the woods deer hunting, and in the fields bird hunting. His annual pheasant hunting trip in western Kansas was a tradition that he later enjoyed with his sons and grandsons.
John is survived by his wife Frances Duckworth of the home; his sons John Duckworth Jr and wife Tish of Shawnee, KS; and Mark Duckworth and wife Debbie of Grain Valley, MO. He is also survived by his five grandchildren and spouses and two great-grandchildren; John David III, his wife Kelsie and their son, Camden of Shawnee KS; Andrew Duckworth, his wife Shelby and their son, Maverick of Overland Park, KS; Devin Duckworth of Shawnee, KS; Cassidy Duckworth of Basehor, KS; and Shane Duckworth of Grain Valley, MO.
Services will be held at Monticello Unite Methodist Church on Thursday, September 1, 2022. The address is 23860 W. 75th Street in Shawnee, KS 66227. A viewing will be held from noon-2pm and funeral services will begin promptly at 2pm in the sanctuary with a burial following. A light luncheon will be served following the graveside service at the church, where all can share stories of John’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Monticello United Methodist Church.