Don I. Durre, age 87, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Flora Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
He was born July 27, 1935, in rural Mason, the son of Walter E. and Freda O. (Wilson) Durre. He was first married to Marie Bernardine Wells on January 1, 1956, in Clay City, and born to Bernardine and Don’s union were Don I. Jr., Allen, and Terry. Marie passed away April 13, 1963. Don later married Lora Darlene Welty on June 4, 1964, in Flora. Born to Darlene and Don were Cindy and Dallas. Darlene passed away November 15, 1975. Don was also united in marriage on June 11, 1988, in Kentucky to Margie M. Busby, who preceded him in passing January 26, 2001.
Don had owned and operated the Flora Montgomery Ward store in the past. He had driven a bread truck and worked in road construction as a member of Teamsters Local 50 in Belleville. He worked in the oil fields for familiar names like Sledge, Sulsberger, and Jim Spears, and he later worked for John Zink Enterprises as a maintenance and construction foreman. Don was a dedicated member of the Loyal Order of Moose through Flora Moose Lodge 1384, and was the first local member to earn the Pilgrim Degree of Merit. Additionally, he held every office in the District and was both the Administrator and Secretary for several terms. He was a past member of the Elks, Eagles, Sons of American Legion, Odd Fellows, and the Lions Club. Don loved dancing and had traveled to a variety of spots in southern and central Illinois for dances. His family and friends fondly remember the original words and phrases best known as Don’s “Durre-isms,” and they may even pass some of them along to future generations. He also enjoyed woodworking and fishing. Don was a baptized member of the First Christian Church of Flora.
Don is survived by his longtime companion: Wilberta Gregory of Centralia; his children: Don I. Durre Jr. and wife Purita of Louisville, Allen R. Durre of Fairfield, Terry L. Durre and wife Janet of Evansville, Cindy Leib and husband Phil of Flora, and Dallas A. Durre and wife Heather of Flora; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a niece: Diana Deatherage of Pensacola, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 wives; brother: Gerald Durre; 2 infant siblings; sister-in-law: Pansey Durre; and 4 nephews: Mike, David, John, and Doug Durre.
A funeral ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Loren Holloway officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Mooseheart and Moosehaven, and these will be accepted at the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
