Shawnee, Kan. farrier John David (JD) Duckworth Sr. passed away on Aug. 27, 2022. He was 78.

Duckworth was born March 12, 1944 in Kansas City, Kan. and graduated from Pacific High School in Pacific, Mo. in 1962. Upon graduation, he left for Texas to attend the Elmer Seibold Horseshoeing School to learn the craft of being a farrier and blacksmith, which would guide his life and his career. In 1965, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard, where he spent 5 years as an active and reserve serviceman and was honorably discharged in 1970. While serving in the military, he would meet his future wife, Frances Lynn and marry her in 1967.

In 1967, Duckworth established The Blacksmith Shop and created a living and a life as a farrier and blacksmith. He was blessed to be able to make a living doing what he loved, which was working with horses. He became an expert in lameness in horses and was called upon by respected veterinarians all over, including those from Kansas State and Columbia, Mo., to help the horse become sound or more comfortable. He spent many years working with the American Royal Rodeo and loved bringing the ranch rodeo to the program. He enjoyed his time riding with The Posse of Saddle and Sirloin and volunteered countless hours to Flint Hills Rodeo as well. Duckworth loved the horse for all the horse was.

When he was not working under a horse, he also worked in his shop as a blacksmith. He stood by the motto that a blacksmith didn’t buy what they needed, they built it. He built many trailers, estate gates, and truck bumpers; there was nothing he couldn’t build from raw iron. He also repaired many types of farm equipment, often into the wee hours of the night, so a farmer could return to the field. In his later years he started into woodworking as well, carving his own cigar store Native American from cedar wood.

Duckworth loved fishing and hunting. He spent many days fishing for crappie and white bass, in the woods deer hunting, and in the fields bird hunting. His annual pheasant hunting trip in western Kansas was a tradition that he later enjoyed with his sons and grandsons.

Services were held at Monticello United Methodist Church on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 23860 W. 75th Street in Shawnee, KS 66227. A viewing was held from noon-2 and funeral services will begin promptly at 2 in the sanctuary with a burial following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Monticello United Methodist Church.