Obituaries

Joseph Woodrow Durden, Jr.

Photo of Joseph Woodrow Durden, Jr.
Joseph (Joe) Woodrow Durden, Jr., of Gillette, Wyoming, formerly of Fort Smith, passed away on October 12, 2013, after suffering a massive stroke. He was born May 24, 1947 in Fort Smith to Joseph Woodrow and Georgetta Rowland Durden. He graduated from the University of Arkansas and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He served in the US Navy, aboard the USS Jason during the Vietnam War. He recently retired as an Electrical Engineer for Peabody Coal in Gillette. He is survived by two children, whom he adored, Reynold (Rey) Ruppe Durden currently attending New Mexico State University, and Georgia (Gigi) Carolyn Durden, a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is also survived by a brother, Robert (Bud) Rowland Durden of Arlington, Texas and a sister, Genie Durden Shoffey of Leawood, Kansas. He leaves nephews and nieces, Robert Durden of Califon, N.J., Marilyn Durden Guion, of Houston, Texas, Brandon Durden of Little Rock, Michaelann Durden of Arlington, Texas, Kelly Hicks and Rachel Sims of Fort Smith, Gray Shoffey McBay of Falls Church, Virginia and Amber Shoffey Van Namee of Orlando, Florida along with many cousins whom he held dear. Cremation is under the direction of Bustard's Funeral Home of Casper, Wyoming. Edwards Funeral Home will handle a memorial service in Fort Smith, in December, with details to be announced. Updated information on finalized plans may be obtained by emailing ripjwdurden@gmail.com. Details will be published in the Southwest Times Record prior to the date of the memorial service. Memorials may be made to: The Joseph W. Durden, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club, 4905 North "O" Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 72904.

Published October 17, 2013

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