Jon D. Duzan

Jon Duzan passed away Thursday, June 4, 2020, in Tyler, Texas. The date for a celebration of his life is pending. He was born May 27, 1954, in Enid, Oklahoma to Earnest L. Duzan and Fatiha Zeynulla. He graduated from Elysian Fields High School in 1972 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was preceded in death by his devoted mother, Fatiha and a host of other family members, classmates, and friends. He is survived by his sister, Denise Wilkins and husband Bob; niece, Chontae Goldwater and husband Michael, and their children Riley and Wes; and by his nephew, Will Bardwell and wife Chelsea. Other family members include Karen, Jim, Harper, Ellery, and Tatum Nix, and Tristan and David Wilkins. Jon was an avid reader, moviegoer, and music enthusiast. He revealed his love of music through his in-depth knowledge of the Beatles and many other popular groups of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. He also enjoyed sharing details about movies – both current and the classics. His superpower was his sincere desire to know people. Wherever he went, he learned the names of the people he met and remembered the stories they shared. Family, classmates, and friends agree that, while he may have been opinionated, stubborn, boisterous, and certainly marched to the beat of his own drum, softer words paint the most accurate picture. He was kind, big-hearted, funny, and loving. He was a good guy who was there during your lowest times, a loyal friend, and always true to his word. He kept a smile on his face, had a wonderful spirit, and an infectious laugh. Jon Duzan enjoyed life. He will be genuinely missed by many. Thank you to a very long list of classmates and friends who helped Jon and took the time to know and love him, including those very special friends, Bill and Diane Kelly, Michael and Debbie Kelly, Rita Lawless Payne, Nelda Shadowens Farley, and Taunya Vance. You were so good to him, and he loved you. Thank you to everyone at Panola Nursing Home and Rehabilitation (Carthage TX) for the care you gave Jon in 2018. A special thank you to Katy McMillan Aaron and the physical therapists who gave him hope and the ability to live independently again: Donna Szentivanyi and Sarah Rider. He spoke of you fondly. Thank you to those at Garden Estates (Tyler TX) who befriended Jon and took the time to visit with him. He enjoyed his time with you. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to: Habitat for Humanity at https://www.habitat.org; Disabled Veterans of America at https://www.dav.org; or the American Heart Association at https://www.americanheart.org.

Jon D. Duzan

May 27, 1954 - June 4, 2020