Jack Robert Duckworth

Jack Robert Duckworth, 88, of Louisville, Kentucky passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017 after a lengthy struggle with Parkinson's and a brief diagnosis of ALS. He was a Presbyterian by faith. Jack was born September 21, 1928 in Ford City, Missouri, son of Chester and Ann Duckworth (Butt). He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Duckworth; mother, Ann; a brother, Rex and a sister-in-law, Ruby Duckworth. He was preceded in death by the "love of his life" and mother of his four girls, Lois Koenig Duckworth. He was retired from Ford Motor Company as production manager-Kentucky Truck Plant after 32 years with Ford, some of which was served in Detroit.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Bettye Duckworth; daughters, Deborah Ann (David) Cizmas, Jacqui Rae (Glenn) Darwin, Susan Lynn Lafferty, Diana Lee Olszowy; grandsons, David Scott Cizmas, Robert William (Carol) Darwin, Michael John (Erin) Cizmas, Alan Wesley Lafferty, Alexander Cashmere (Jennifer) Olszowy IV, Daniel Lee (Casey) Olszowy, Christopher Alan Darwin; granddaughters, Jennifer Lynne (David) Castro, Kelly Marie (Carson) Gerber; step-son, Todd Michael (Melissa) Schmitt; step-grandsons, David Frank Schmitt and Noah Michael Schmitt; step-granddaughter, Sarah Lindsey O'Byrant; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and a host of loving friends.

Jack was a Kentucky Colonel and a Mason. He was a volunteer tutor for adult reading classes and also at Jewish Hospital in Shelbyville.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Physical Therapist, Phyllis Beyea, Lauren Parvis RN and Cindy Tennell, OT of VNA for their loving care of Jack. We also are grateful to Dr. Phillip Fitzgerald for his care, compassion and numerous visits when Jack was hospitalized and his excellent staff. The family wishes to celebrate his life privately. Cremation was chosen and a memorial services will be held a a later date. Contributions in his name may be made to Hosparus of Kentucky, The Parkinson's Foundation or the ALS Association. Arrangements under the direction of Newcomer Funeral Home, Southwest Louisville Chapel.