Richard E. Durkee

Richard E. Durkee, 94, of Coshocton passed away at Signature Healthcare of Coshocton on Thursday May 26, 2022. 

Richard was born in Flint, Michigan on December 20, 1927, to the late Harry and Florence (Butler) Durkee.  He graduated from Flint Central High School in 1946 and DeVry University in Chicago.  He honorably served in World War II in the United States Air Force from 1946-1948 where he played in the U.S. Air Force Band at Randolph Field, San Antonio, TX.  He also played in the Flint Symphony Orchestra as a Junior in High School when he was just seventeen years old.  Richard retired from General Motors in Michigan as a Quality Control Analyst.  Richard attended Roscoe United Methodist Church, played trombone with the Coshocton Community Band, Walhonding Rube Band and enjoyed singing with the Coshocton Community Choir.

He is survived by his wife Faye Taylor whom he married on June 29, 2008; one son David (Debbie) Durkee of Grand Rapids, MI; step-children Jon (Miriam) Lafferty of West Seneca, NY, Dan (Renee) Lafferty of Moore, SC, Lois (Ray) Lafferty-Gude of St. Louis, MO and Tom (Linda) Lafferty of Coshocton; nine step grandchildren; seventeen step great grandchildren; two nieces Pat (John) Simon and Sue Runyon; and three nephews Eddie (Andi) Smith, Harry (Sherry) Smith and Art (Amanda) Smith.  

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife Naidine (Johnson) Durkee who passed away in 2005; brother John Durkee; sister Ruth Smith and sister-in-law Joan Durkee.

Friends may call at The Miller Funeral Home, 639 Main St., Coshocton on Tuesday May 31, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM where funeral services will begin at 12:00 PM with Pastor Dairel Kaiser officiating.  Coshocton County Veterans Honor Guard will also be preforming military honors at the funeral home. 

A cremation will take place after the funeral services and burial of Richards cremated remains will be held in Oakwood Cemetery, Fenton, MI at a later date.

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