Duncan L Hines, Jr., of Ogden Dunes, Indiana, passed away on September 6, 2026. Born September 10, 1937, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, he was the son of Duncan L Hines and Elizabeth Weathers Hines.

Duncan graduated from College High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and went on to earn his degree from the University of Kentucky. Following college, he moved to Gary, Indiana, where he began a long and distinguished career with U.S. Steel at the Gary Works Coke Plant. Over the course of his career, he served as Superintendent of Maintenance and, ultimately, Superintendent of Chemical Operations, a position he held until his retirement.

Following his retirement from U.S. Steel, Duncan worked as a consultant with UCE. His work took him to Slovenia and Russia. In Russia, he consulted for a coke plant in Chelyabinsk, Russia where he shared his expertise and experience.

Duncan married Sue Varner, and together they shared 60 years of marriage. They made their home in Ogden Dunes for nearly six decades, building a life filled with family, friendships, community service, and adventure.

Duncan was deeply committed to the community he called home. He served on the Ogden Dunes Volunteer Fire Department, including six years as Fire Chief. He was also President of the Plan Commission for more than 20 years, served on the Beach Nourishment Advisory Committee, and spent six years on the Town Council, including three years as Town Council President. His leadership, dedication, and willingness to serve left a lasting mark on Ogden Dunes.

Duncan and Sue embraced a new chapter together when they purchased a 53-foot Hatteras motor yacht. They spent winters living aboard and traveling the waterways, exploring rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic coast. Their boat became a gathering place for family and friends, who were always welcome to visit, share a meal, enjoy the water, or join Duncan on a fishing trip.

Above all, Duncan loved his family. His granddaughters, Clare and Katie, were the light of his life, and he was immensely proud of them. He cherished time spent with them and took great joy in their accomplishments and the people they became.

Known affectionately as “Big Duncan,” he was a force in the lives of those who knew him—a planner, a leader, and someone who could always be counted on to take charge and get things done. His strong presence, generous hospitality, and love for his family and friends will be greatly missed.

Duncan was preceded in death by his parents, Duncan L Hines and Elizabeth Weathers Hines, and his beloved wife, Sue Hines. He is survived by his sister, Ann Hines; his son, Duncan L Hines III, and daughter-in-law, Tiffani Mayer Hines; and his cherished granddaughters, Clare and Katie.

A service celebrating Duncan’s life will be held at Ogden Dunes Community Church on Saturday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ogden Dunes Volunteer Fire Department