Philip V.H.L. Duckett

Captain Philip V.H.L. Duckett, United States Navy (Retired), passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, August 4, 2026.

Philip graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1948, and was later inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy in 1952 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1952-1975.

During his naval career, Philip’s notable assignments included serving as commanding officer of the submarine USS Baya in San Diego, California. He also served in the Executive Office of the President and as Director of OP-NAV 985, the Atomic Energy Division within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Following his naval retirement, Philip joined McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri, where he supported the Tomahawk and Harpoon weapons programs.

Philip and his wife, Kathleen, were married in Washington, D.C. on May 8, 1953. They shared 70 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, family, and service before Kathleen’s passing on December 11, 2023. Together, they created a home that was always open to relatives, friends, and anyone who needed a safe and welcoming place to stay. They also opened their hearts and home to more than 50 foster children through Lutheran Family and Children’s Services in St. Louis.

As a career Navy family, they were stationed throughout the country, including Pearl Harbor, HI; Coronado, CA; and Norfolk, VA. They resided in Annapolis, Maryland until Philip retired from the U.S. Navy, at which time they moved to St. Louis. They made their home in St. Louis’s Parkview community, where they were parishioners of St. Roch Catholic Church for more than 40 years. After retiring from McDonnell Douglas, Philip returned to the Duckett family farm in Blanch, North Carolina, in 2000.

Philip was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kathleen; his son, Douglas D. Duckett; and his daughters, Kathleen D. Moldthan and Carey V. Duckett.

He is survived by his children, Philip “Buzzy” Duckett Jr. and his wife, Meg; Mary Pendleton “Penny” Crumpton and her husband, Jay; Duvy Duckett and his wife, Sheila; and John Duckett and his wife, Courtney.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lucas Crumpton and his wife, Ashley; Megan Duckett and her husband, Whit; Mary Bardux and her husband, Tom; Philip Duckett III and his fiancé, Amy; John Moldthan Jr. and his wife, Carissa; Douglas Duckett and his wife, Emily; Tommy Moldthan; Jack Crumpton and his wife, Brook; Katie Duckett and her husband, John White; Will Crumpton and his wife, Tori; Retta Duckett; Leighton Duckett; and Penn Duckett; as well as five great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members.

Philip was an exceptional father, grandfather, mentor, and role model. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his service to his country, his generosity, and his willingness to help others. He was a member of Purley United Methodist Church in Purley, North Carolina, where he gladly volunteered his time and resources.

Captain Duckett leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, integrity, generosity, and love. His example will continue to guide the generations of family members who were fortunate enough to know and love him. Many special thanks to his numerous caretakers for their exceptional and loving care, especially Debbie Capel, Wendy Alford, Gray Alford and Joy Shumaker, as well as his AuthoraCare Hospice team.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to AuthoraCare Hospice of Burlington, NC.