Douglas Edward Durden

Douglas Edward Durden, 79, a lifelong resident of Florida, passed away on July 10, 2024. He was born on February 27, 1945, in Winter Haven, Florida, to Guy William and Ruth Darter Durden. After graduating from Winter Haven High School in 1964, Doug would go on to proudly serve our country in the US Army (1967-1969) in Korea, during the Vietnam War.  After getting married and starting a family, he made Sebring, Florida his home for the remainder of his life.  Doug worked for Winn-Dixie for 38 years, retiring in 2000. He was of the Baptist faith.

Doug was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He had a passion for the outdoors, which led him to the mountains of North Carolina, where he and his wife would spend their summers in retirement. Doug loved tools and was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed building birdhouses and other home improvement projects.  He enjoyed the freedom of riding his Yamaha motorcycle along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  He was known for his strong work ethic, unconditional love for his family, and never wanting to burden his loved ones. Doug was very sociable and was always able to strike up a conversation and never knew a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Ruth. Doug is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Willene Durden; sons, Keith Douglas Durden and wife, Wendy of Orlando, FL, and Douglas Damon Durden of Lee's Summit, MO; brother, John Wayne Durden and wife, Val of Winter Haven, FL; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Durden; nephew, Michael Durden of Florida; and several cousins.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Final resting place will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City, FL.