Bob Henry Duckens, Jr.

Bob Henry Duckens, Jr. (Bobby) of Columbus, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 25, 2024. He was born October 26, 1971, in Houston, Texas to Bob H. Duckens, Sr. and JoAnn Duckens. The second of three children and firstborn son, Bob, Jr. was a PK “preachers’ kid” raised in the knowledge of Jesus Christ by his parents Bob and JoAnn Duckens, Founding Pastor and First Lady of the Rock of Faith Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. Along with his family, Bob, Jr. cherished his faith.

A graduate of Independence High School, Bobby was heavily recruited by many colleges and universities for his superb football skills. Awarded a full athletic scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, Bob, Jr. was a four-year starter at nose guard from 1990 – 1993 on the Bearcats defensive line. A proud member of the 1993 championship team that is credited with elevating UC football, Bob and his fellow Bearcats garnered top ranking in the Independent Football Alliance against other power-house programs like Penn State and Notre Dame. They finished their season with an impressive 8-3 record which was the best in the university’s history at that time. Bob excelled both on and off the field. In 1997 he returned to UC and finished his degree in Social Sciences while also serving as a student assistant coach for the football team. In 1998 as a graduate assistant under then head coach Rich Minter, Bob helped with the defensive line and special teams’ unit; and later in 2005, he was a contributing writer for Bearcat Insider, a publication covering University of Cincinnati athletics.

Bob, Jr. was a man of endless talents who strived for excellence. Upon returning home to Columbus in 2000, he faithfully served as Director of Operations working with his father, Bob Duckens, Sr., the CEO of his own Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. Bobby also worked in the private sector as a Business Sales Consultant for cellphone giants Verizon and Sprint/T-Mobile; and later successfully started his own landscaping business.

Bob, Jr. was a loving father and proud dad to his daughter, Christian Nicole, whom he affectionately nicknamed “Dukes”. He loved music, cooking, traveling, conversing about all things football as he was a fierce Dallas Cowboys fan, and spending quality time with family and close friends. His joyful spirit and smile filled whatever space he occupied. Bob, Jr. will be greatly missed by all who knew, loved, and respected him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Duckens; and son, Bob H. Duckens, III.

He is survived by his daughter, Christian Nicole Duckens; father, Bob H. Duckens, Sr.; sister, Vonda Duckens-Lee; brother, Demetrius Duckens; beloved friend and former wife, Carmen M Duckens; niece, Breya Lee; nephews, Brandon (Shakeila) Duckens, Kenneth Lee, IV and Demetrius Duckens, Jr. all of Columbus, Ohio; and God-father, Andrew Jones of Houston, Texas. He also leaves a host of loving uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives, and loyal friends to cherish his memory.

Visitation 1:00 PM and Funeral Service 2:00 PM Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at City of Grace, 3350 Allegheny Ave.