Duane Allen Durham

July 7th, 1937 – October 28th, 2024

Duane was born on July 7, 1937, in Cumberland, Iowa and went to be with The Lord on October 28th at the age of 87 in Tucson, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his father Millard, his mother Irma, his son Brian, his daughter Kimberly Rhodus, granddaughter Morgan Rhodus, and most recently in September, his sister Marilyn Tully-Smith. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Virginia ‘Ginny’ Durham, son Jeff Durham and wife Tina, son-in-law Don Rhodus, daughter Laura and husband Aaron Brumbelow, and Susan and husband Kip Patterson. His memory and legacy will be honored by his grandchildren Jeannette Durham and spouse Shawn, Robert Durham, Dalton Rhodus, Ruby Brumbelow, Cien Brumbelow, and Katara Brumbelow, and former wife, Jacqui Smith.

Duane’s family moved from Iowa to California and then to Tucson, Arizona when he was a young boy. He graduated from Tucson High School, Class of ‘55. Duane was hard-working and dedicated, working from his earliest years with his dad on the farm in Iowa, a sawmill in California, and then to building shopping centers and gas stations in Tucson, AZ. His creativity and determination couldn’t be reined in, and he always had a project that he was working on to express both. From crafting small paddle-boats, a rideable train, and Ferris wheel, to so many others that his children and their friends enjoyed to the fullest. His project of a lifetime was Agua Verde Castle, which became home in 1976. He was able to envision a project and bring it to life.  He passionately believed in reusing, recycling, and repurposing and he created many unique items from things many would have considered trash that ranged from functional to artistic. He used his gifts throughout his life to help those in need and he fervently took on many requests when asked, or when he saw a need.

His parents began a tradition of traveling during summers to visit family and extending the route and timeline to include National Parks throughout our beautiful country. Duane continued that tradition and brought his family from coast to coast to appreciate the great outdoors from British Columbia, Canada to Florida and lots in between. Traveling, always with adventure in mind, he would detour the route, stopping many times to hike in national monuments, camp in Redwood forests or on the beach, raft down rivers and canyons, ride mountain trains, and stop at antique stores.   

He loved antiques and especially antique wood stoves. As in everything he did, he did it to the fullest and it broadened his connections to include dear friends who became like family. He was delighted to find other people with similar interests and as a member of The Antique Stove Association enjoyed conventions, cruises, and lifelong friendships with other members.  

Throughout his life, Duane cultivated friendships from simple conversations into lasting bonds. Even then most only scratched the surface of the depth of the knowledge and experience he held within him. Many of those friendships began at church. Though he attended faithfully throughout his life, the location varied from First Baptist Church, Craycroft Baptist Church, Vail Christian Church in Tucson, Shiloh Christian Center in Sierra Vista, or with the community on Mount Lemmon. As part of these communities, Duane used his gifts of building and creativity to serve whenever possible. Deep friendships were started in these congregations and those that have continued for a lifetime are dear.

To honor Duane’s memory, his family will hold a celebration of life on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, at Vail Christian Church 9455 E. Valencia Rd. Tucson, AZ 85747. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM and the service will follow at 11:00 AM with light refreshments after. Anyone who knew or adored Duane is invited to attend and remember his extraordinary life.

To send flowers/cards please reach out to Susan Patterson 520.977.7912.