Billy Durham

(From Parker Mortuary)

Billy G. Durham, SR. 89, of Joplin, MO., went home to be with his Lord early Friday morning January 20, 2017, following a lengthy illness.

Billy, or Bill as he was also called, was born on February 19th 1927 in Seneca, MO, to Lester and Pearl Durham.

On February 9th, 1946, Billy married the love of his life, Dorothy Johnson in Galena, KS. Together they raised three children. She preceded him in death on October 3, 2012.

He was a wonderful husband, Dad, Daddy, Dad-Who, Paw and friend to all who knew him.

Billy was a lifelong farmer and because of his interests and aptitude in auto mechanics, he and Dorothy operated Durham Implement, an auto service and White dealership for 23 years in rural Carl Junction before retiring in Joplin. He was a member and deacon of Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin. He had a lifelong love for audio and sound technology and operated a sound studio and served his church behind the audio board for many years. He obtained his amateur radio operator license and enjoyed communicating with many of his ham buddies. He believed strongly in the power of prayer, praying daily for his family and friends. He read the Bible cover to cover yearly for the last 20 or more years.

He was preceded death by his parents and wife Dorothy.

He is survived by one brother, Dave and his wife Sue of New Port, AR; one daughter, Cheryl and her husband Larry of Joplin; a son, Billy Durham, Jr and his wife, Kristin of Niceville, FL; and a son, Bob Durham of Joplin. He leaves a legacy of grandchildren, Michelle and Chris Thomson, Ryan and Sarah Baker, Brooke and Mathew Austin, Blaire and Andy Blagg. He also has eight great-grandchildren, Michaela, Carter and Madeline Thomson, Quentin and Colby Austin, Corinne and Chandler Blagg and Baby Baker that is on the way, whose arrival was announced to Billy before anyone else!

He was loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Monday, January 23rd, 2017 at Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin. Burial will follow at Carl Junction Cemetery with Chris and Carter Thomson, Mathew, Quentin and Colby Austin and Ryan Baker serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 10:00am until service time.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Forest Park Baptist Church Building Program.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.