John Elmore Durham

John Elmore Durham, of Fredericktown, Missouri, formerly of Poplar Bluff passed away on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011 at the age of 92.

Mr. Durham was born in rural Bollinger County, Mo. on Dec. 26, 1918 to parents, Albert and Alice (Harty) Durham. He attended school in Williamsville, Mo.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army, seeing overseas service in the Philippines.

The couple moved to Poplar Bluff in 1952. While in Poplar Bluff, Mr. Durham worked at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center. In 1965, the family moved to St. Louis where John worked at Jefferson Barracks until his retirement. In 2006, John moved to Fredericktown where he lived until his passing.

In June of 1946, he married Shirley Brittan in St. Louis, Mo. She preceded him in death on Aug. 13, 2004.

Survivors include 3 children, William (Bill) Durham and wife Diane, of Fredericktown, Roxann (Roxy) Durham of Columbia and Theodore (Ted) Durham and wife Doris of Russellville, Ky.; 2 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews living in various parts of the United States.

His wife, parents, a sister, Mary Faries, and a brother, Monty Durham preceded Mr. Durham in death.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral chapel with Dr. William Vail officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.