LEXINGTON: One thing that bound Don Durbin to his large family of brothers and sisters was their sense of humor – well, and their storytelling ability – well, and their love of getting together.
Described as a fun-loving man with a kind, kind heart, Don Durbin went to be with the Lord Saturday morning May 20, 2017 from Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was 62.
Born Donald Paul Durbin in Mount Vernon to Walter E. and Barbara L. (Thorp) Durbin, he was graduated from Lexington High School in 1972 and played on the varsity basketball team that went to the OHSAA finals. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University in 1977 (and never lost his love for the Buckeyes!). He earned his MBA from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1987.
Don retired from the U.S. Air Force with 24 years of service as Lieutenant Colonel in 1996 and worked thereafter as a government contractor in program management.
He loved his kids, his community, and enjoyed fellowship with Christian friends. As a member of First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, Illinois, he felt his place was in serving the Lord – in any capacity he could.
He is survived by his wife Vanessa L. (Meo) Bryant, whom he married April 24, 2003; children Regan Durbin and Paula Durbin both of Fairborn, Steven Durbin of Youngstown, Brandon Durbin of San Francisco, CA, Kelsey Durbin of St. Louis, MO and Veronica Bryant of Lebanon, IL; a granddaughter Madisyn Durbin; siblings Rod (Sue) Durbin of Lexington, Brian “Yogi” & Joy Durbin of Lewis Center, Teresa Durbin of Mansfield, Steve & Valerie Durbin of Lexington, Michael “Pius” & Sally Durbin of Mansfield, Patty & Brian Wade of Bellville and Marty & Mary Durbin of Mansfield; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friends in Ohio and Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Diana Lynn “Dee” Durbin.
The Durbin Family will receive friends Wednesday, May 24, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where his funeral service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. His brother Pastor Yogi Durbin and nephew Chris Durbin will speak. Military honors by American Legion Post #535 will follow. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to First Baptist Church of O’Fallon (IL) or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Durbin family. Send them a note of support – or watch Don’s tribute video – online at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituary/donald-paul-durbin/
