George F. McDuffee Jr., 79, passed away Wed., Oct. 17, 2018 at Windsor Place in Coffeyville, KS. He was born Feb. 25, 1939 in Kansas City, MO, to George F. (Mac) McDuffee, Sr. and Betty Henderson McDuffee.
He is survived by his brother, Col. Frank W. McDuffee, USMC (Ret.), of Fayetteville, AR, his beloved nephew and niece, Jeff Turner of Woodbine, GA, and Paige Davis of Radford VA, and numerous grand- and great grand-nephews & -nieces.
George’s parents had said they determined that he was an extraordinary child very early on. When he was learning to speak, it was in multiple languages, reflecting the nationalities of their immigrant neighbors. He was found to be ambidextrous and possessed a nearly photographic memory.
George was raised in Oklahoma and Kansas, graduated from Caney High School, and served in the US Army as an infantryman. He then attended Coffeyville Junior College, Kansas State University, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University. While working, George’s inherent quest for knowledge subsequently resulted in him earning a Master of Science degree from Pittsburg State University.
George’s inquisitive mind and restless curiosity caused him to make his home wherever his profession(s) led him…. New York, California, Connecticut, Canada, and Brazil to name a few. Some of the many career paths in which he excelled were sales, law enforcement, automotive R & D, quality control, computer technology, import/export, customer relations, real estate, insurance, statistical analysis, and manufacturing.
But it was not until later in his midlife that George discovered his true calling; that of education. While employed by Berg Manufacturing in Iola, KS, he became an adjunct faculty member at Allen County Community College. That opportunity ignited his passion for teaching and mentoring. This commitment led him to achieve his Specialist in Education degree from Pittsburg State University.
George savored his commitment as a full-time educator at college/university level. A personal academic milestone was reached when he attained his Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from Oklahoma State University. When he retired from Frank Phillips College, Borger, TX, he continued mentoring and consulting on a variety of subjects, from his home in Coffeyville.
Some of George’s hobbies were leather-working, calligraphy, technology, history, econometrics, linguistics, motor-scooters, metallurgy, reading, welding, needlecraft, and gunsmithing.
George’s various affiliations included: American Society of Engineers, National Association of Industrial Technology, Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, OSU Foundation, American Rifle Association, and the MacDuffee Clan of America.
Our “Unca’ George” will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues and countless numbers of students whose lives have been enriched by his servant leadership. We can be comforted by remembering the words of an unknown author: “What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased.”
Per George’s wishes cremation has taken place under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel in Coffeyville, KS. You are invited to a memorial celebration of the life of “Unca’ George” at his very favorite restaurant. In his remembrance, we want to serve you a margarita (or cervesa) and a delicious Mexican meal of your choice between 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. at El Pueblito, 600 Northeast St., Coffeyville.
In lieu of any flowers, it is requested that charitable contributions be made, in George McDuffee’s name. To leave a message of condolence visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com
