Tex Durand

September 27, 1919 - August 8, 2008

Tex Charles Durand, age 88 of Deckerville, died on August 8, 2008 at Autumnwood of Deckerville. He was born September 27, 1919 in Detroit. He was the son of the late Charles and Blanche (Bearss) Durand. He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor French Durand in 2006 and his sisters Deah Monaco and Betty DiGirolamo. Tex grew up in Chicago and Deckerville. While in Deckerville he lived with his grandmother Clara Bearss and aunt Agnes Bearss helping out at Clara?s store and running the movie projector at the theater next door. During High School his love of football began where he was on the DHS football team. After graduating from Deckerville High School he went to work for L.C. Smith Corona Typewriter Co. in Chicago. From there he moved out to New York and worked at Grumman Aircraft factory. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Force and served during WW II. He was stationed at Kingman, AZ and then on to England for 1 ½ years before going to the European continent where he was in reclamation and repair until 1945. Returning from the war Tex took advantage of the GI bill and went to college at Port Huron Jr. College and then on to Hillsdale College where he graduated with a teaching degree in biology. His love of football continued here as he became manager of the Hillsdale football team. He married Eleanor June 19, 1948. His teaching years started in Port Huron for 1 year and then moved to Deckerville for the next 14 years where he taught junior high math and driver?s training. His last 14 years were back at Port Huron Northern. He retired in 1978. Tex and Eleanor built their own home on an 80 acre plot outside of Deckerville where they farmed and raised five children: Dave (Sally), Jim (Teri), Mary (Gary), Tom (Daphne), and Bob (Anita). Other survivors are: Grand children: Bonnie (Greg), Scott, Lacie, Luke, Cody, Mark, Charlotte, Vicki (Joe), Crystal (Chuck), Valerie (Mark), Landen, Nolan, Melissa, Stephen, Kara (Luke), Samantha, Sydney. Great grand children: Mariah, Maranda, Josh, Luke, Ryan, and Benjamin. Tex was a life-long Mason of Marian Lodge 392 since 1946, past Master Mason, active member of the Deckerville American Legion Sickles-Arnold Post, member of Downing Cemetery board, member of the Farm Bureau, Farmer?s Petroleum board member, past parade Marshall of the Deckerville homecoming parade, and announcer at the high school football and basketball games in Deckerville in the 50?s and 60?s. He was a teacher not only at school but also at home with his family on the farm teaching the value of teamwork and love of life. He enjoyed reading, football, going to the coffee shop, telling stories, and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for someone who touched many lives in the community, for the love of his family and community, and his friendly smile and greeting to others. Funeral services to celebrate the life of Tex C. Durand will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 13, 2008 in the Apsey Funeral Home, your Legacy of Life, funeral home. Rev. Jerry Griggs will officiate. Interment will be at Downing Cemetery, Deckerville, Michigan. Visitation will be 3-9 PM Tuesday and 9:00 AM until the time of service on Wednesday. Memorials may be given to the Deckerville Community Hospital, Deckerville Public Library, or First United Methodist Church of McGregor. Condolences may be sent to apseyfuneralhome.com