NEIGHBORS: Duncan gives back to Jasonville in many ways

By Jo Chiparo Brad Duncan, who works at Gamble's Furniture in Jasonville, is a familiar face around town. "I wish there were a hundred Brad Duncans," said Jasonville Mayor Roy Terrell.

JASONVILLE -- Brad Duncan is a familiar face in Jasonville. Not only has he lived in town most of his life, he has worked at a local business since he was a teenager, is active in civic affairs, and most of all is always willing to give neighbors a helping hand.

"I wish there were a hundred Brad Duncans," said Jasonville Mayor Roy Terrell.

Not only is he a familiar face in town, but Duncan loves the town.

"I'm proud of Jasonville, it's my home and I love it," noted Duncan as he spoke about the place where he has roots.

Duncan was born in Vincennes, but his family moved to Jasonville when he was just a youngster, before he started kindergarten. He graduated Shakamak High School.

Even before he graduated, at the age of 15 he began working for Fred and Annabelle Bennett, owners of Gamble's Furniture.

"My brother, Mike, worked for Fred," Duncan said, "and when he went into the Navy in 1985, I bugged Fred for a job. Fred said because of insurance reasons I couldn't work until I was 16."

Duncan said he kept pestering Fred until he finally relented and told him he would hire him but he couldn't lift or help deliver. He could only dust furniture.

"I have been here ever since, I guess like a bad penny," noted Duncan.

After graduation, Duncan planned to follow his dad in the construction business.

When Duncan told Fred his plans, Fred said, "Wait a minute. Let me go talk to Annabelle."

"He came back and gave me an offer," noted Duncan. "I took it and am glad I did."

Gradually, Bennett gave Duncan more responsibility and let him order and take care of accounts.

"By 1999, he really gave me full responsibility," Duncan explained. "I did everything including taking care of taxes."

Up until two years ago, Duncan said Fred would come in every morning for a cup of coffee and a fig bar, and they would talk about the business and everything else that was going on in town and around the world.

"Fred could name you every business in town," Duncan went on to say. "He taught me a lot -- not only in the furniture business but about being a man."

Due to health problems, Fred doesn't visit the store anymore, but Duncan visits Fred and Annabelle every day to care for them.

Terrell praised Duncan for the care he gives the Bennetts.

"Brad goes over every morning and sees that they are up and gives them their medicine and fixes breakfast," Terrell said. "He goes back to fix lunch at noon and then prepares supper. Later, he helps them get ready for bed."

Terrell added that that is the schedule as far as a routine; however, he says he has been in the store many times throughout the day when Fred calls and needs Brad's help.

"Brad does that with other people, as well," Terrell explained. "He helps cut grass for people in the summer and does a lot for other individuals. He's an all around good guy. If anyone needs help, he is there. He is dependable and cares about what is going on in town."

In Jasonville, Duncan is not only visible at Gamble's Furniture. He is a city councilman, vice president of Jasonville Chamber of Commerce, on the library board, Greene County Housing Board, Good Samaritan board, and the Peavey Cemetery board.

Duncan was also a member of the Lions Club when it was active in Jasonville and was a trustee for Jasonville First Baptist Church where he also served as janitor for many years.

When asked about his involvement in the city, Duncan says he also owes that to Bennett.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for Fred Bennett," noted Duncan. "He lit a fire under me and taught me a lot about the business and store. I love him dearly."

When Fred was president of Jasonville's Chamber of Commerce, he encouraged Duncan to join.

Duncan said he liked it and has remained very active and has served three years as president.

Relating his council experience, Duncan said he is on the council due to the encouragement of Paul Grabner.

"Paul called me at the store on the last day to sign up (to run), and I said I didn't want to," noted Duncan. "Paul said 'I will be over to the store to get you, and take you there.' I was elected.

"I like being on the council. I can speak highly of the administration, the police, the fire and the city workers."

Duncan went on to say that the water crisis last summer was a learning experience. His job along with Andrea Pierce, the Chamber's president, was to deliver water three times a day to the elderly and shut-ins.

"It was amazing how the citizens of Jasonville pulled together during that crisis," noted Duncan. "Roy (Terrell) did an excellent job. This year the council will be busy with the water project, which we were mandated to do by the state."

Duncan said he wants people to know Jasonville is still alive.

Duncan says the town has a nursing home, a state park, a great school system, and a doctor, his hopes for the future is that it will have a drug store.

Even though Duncan loves Jasonville with a passion, he says his greatest love is for his children, Katie and Andrew.

"I like being a father," he said.