LaFayette Lionel Duckett

Lafayette Lionel “L. L.” Duckett passed away on January 16, 2018, just one month before his 100th birthday. He was born in Fayette County to J. W. and Anna Hruska Duckett. L.L. is survived by his daughter, retired Judge Faye Duckett Dettling and husband, Clarence; granddaughter, Susan Holly Scott; grandson, Lance Duckett Scott; his beloved sisters, Abie Duckett Brownshadel and Willie Mae Tenison. He was fortunate to have many close nephews and nieces, especially Jesse Duckett, Jr. and Mary Duckett Land. He is preceded in death by the love of this life and wife of nearly 65 years, Ethel Coughran Duckett; his brother, Jesse Duckett and sister, Virginia Duckett Belt.

From a very humble farm beginning, he worked numerous jobs and received his BBA and JD degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. L.L. never sat idle as he was always working. He had the honor of serving three terms in the Texas State House of Representatives serving Wharton and Jackson counties at the age of 21 as one of the youngest members to serve in the legislature. The Governor of Texas appointed him to a four-year term as a member of the Texas Commission of Higher Education.

He and his brother, Jesse, formed the law firm of Duckett & Duckett which is now Duckett, Bouligny and Collins in El Campo, Texas. L.L. dedicated his life to his legal practice and considered his exceptional law partners and all of his clients as true friends.

He was honored to serve in leadership capacities in the following professional, civic, and business organizations: President, Director and Chairman of the Board of Wharton County Savings & Loan Association which merged into United Savings; Director, United Financial Group; Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Little Rick; Director and Attorney of Mid-Coast Title Company; one of three organizers and Director of radio station KULP of El Campo; President of the El Campo Lions Club and Zone-Chairman of Lions International; President and organizer of El Campo Country Club; Director, El Campo Chamber of Commerce; Galveston-Victoria Director, State Bar of Texas; President, Wharton County Bar Association; President, Texas Trial Lawyers Association; member , Probate and Trust Section of the American Bar Association and American College of Probate Counsel.

L.L. was licensed by the Texas Supreme Court; United States Supreme Court – Southern and Western Districts of Texas; United States Court of Military Appeals; and the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

He was a member of El Campo United Methodist Church, Lakeway Community Church and Chapelwood United Methodist in Houston. L.L. was a life member of the Austin Lodge AF&AM #12, Shriners International of Austin, Scottish-Rite of Free Masonry, BPEO Lodge of El Campo, El Campo Hillje SPJST Lodge and The University of Texas Ex-Students Association.

The family wishes to thank his wonderful and caring companions, Melonie Collins, Donna Mayberry Rose Dinga, Barbara Reed, Vantage Hospice, Dr. Daryl Dichoso and RN Linda Edwards.

Graveside services will be conducted by The Rev. Dr. Scott Endress, Chapelwood United Methodist Church on January 23, 2018 at 12:00 noon at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.