Abe Duckworth

Abe Duckworth, lifelong Cleveland resident, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at the Grace Living Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the age of ninety-one years, two months and two days.

Abe was born in rurual Pawnee County, Oklahoma near Cleveland on August 22, 1915. He was the son of Frank and Belle (Benson) Duckworth. Abe attended his early education in Cleveland. Upon completion of his education, Abe began a career as an automotive and engine mechanic by working at the Tillery's Garage on the corner of Broadway and Caddo in Cleveland.

Abe was married to June L. Soble on January 16, 1940 in Oilton, Oklahoma. The couple made their initial home in Cleveland as Abe accepted employment as a mechanic with the Johnson Oil Refinery. He continued to work at the refinery until it sold to Kerr McGee Corporation. Abe then began working for Mohawk Petroleum in Pawhuska maintaining oilfield equipment. He later was employed by the Dow Well Company in Hominy for a couple of years before assisting Park Crawford in the daily operation of the Western Auto in Cleveland.

During this time, Abe and June had three children, Abe Lynn, Linda and Larry, all of whom attended Cleveland Public Schools. Sometime during the early 1950's, Abe began working for Merle Edington at the OTASCO store in Cleveland and for the Campbell and Thomas Service Station. He was later employed by Henley Annett at the Annett Furniture Store where he worked in sales and assisted in laying carpet and tile. His employment in the Cleveland community continued with stints with Osage Oil and Transport, Southland Drilling Company, and the Hick's Brothers Mobil Service Station. He also was employed for a time by the Cleveland Police Department and the City of Cleveland Utility Department. After Abe's retirement in 1962, he continued to work for Gene Williams at the OTASCO store in Cleveland and then later in Hominy.

June preceded him in death on May 13, 1991. Abe was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Cleveland. He was known throughout the community as an honest, hard working person that was an excellent automobile and small engine mechanic.

Abe is survived by his three children, Abe Duckworth and Larry Duckworth, both of Cleveland and Linda Behren of Stillwater, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and a sister, Lola Kerr of Douglas, Texas. In addition to his wife, Abe was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, October 26, 2006 at the Woodland Cemetery Chapel with Rev. George Boston officiating. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

ìVisit an online obituary and guestbook for Ave Duckworth at www.chapman-black.com.î