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Dr. Donald Clayton Durbin, Sr. 91, passed away on July 10, 2017 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
He was born on August 26, 1925, in Springfield, Illinois. He was the son of Helen Clayton Durbin and Leslie H. Durbin.
He is survived by daughter, Nancy L. Durbin of Springfield; sons, Richard L. Durbin of Phoenix, Arizona and David S. Durbin of Springfield; one niece and two nephews.
Preceding him in death were his son, Donald C. Durbin, Jr., in 2003; Virginia O'Shea Durbin, mother of his children in 2015; and his sister Norma Rooney in 2016.
He was a veteran of the US Army Air Force in training as a navigator on B-17, B-24 and B-29 bombers for the Pacific Theatre in World War II.
Dr. Durbin graduated from Springfield High School and Springfield College in Springfield, IL. He graduated from St Louis University School of Dentistry, St. Louis, MO in 1952.
Dr. Durbin practiced dentistry in Springfield for 61 years in downtown Springfield on the square in the Myers Building. Harry Truman was president in 1952 when Dr. Durbin started practicing dentistry. When he retired and closed his office in 2013 he was the last dentist in the Myers Building, ending an era for what was the foremost medical office building in Springfield dating back to at least the 1920's.
He grew up farming with his father Leslie Durbin on land near Berry, IL. and later, New City, IL. He continued a tradition of farming as a second occupation started by his father, Leslie Durbin, who was chief of the IRS intelligence unit in Springfield until his death in 1959.
He married Virginia Rose O'Shea on December 23, 1950. They lived in St. Louis, Missouri until 1952 when he finished dental school. They returned to Springfield and raised their children. Many wonderful times were shared by the family spending time on the farm. Dr. Durbin planted crops as well as raised livestock including cattle and hogs. His children had the memorable experience growing up riding horses and ponies and farm life.
Above all, Dr. Durbin loved his children and family, as they were most important to him. He was a craftsman with an eye for detail. Multitalented, he could build a house, repair farm equipment, make perfect dentures and perform complex dental procedures. He enjoyed his patients and the office immensely. He had many patients with him from the time he started practicing dentistry in 1952 until he retired in 2013. He was also on staff at St. John's Hospital for emergency dental procedures during the 1950's. His office walls had no clear boundaries as he donated his time at Matheny School Dental Clinic for over 50 years. He enjoyed being a volunteer at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He had a charming personality with a wit and humor enjoyed and appreciated by many. He will be greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Bisch & Son Funeral Home, 505 East Allen St., Springfield, IL, with burial to follow in Stout Cemetery in Chatham, IL with military honors provided by the Sangamon County Inter Veterans Burial Detail. The family will meet with friends from 10:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703 and please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bisch & Son Funeral Home.
July 17, 2017
Bobby Dambacher
To the family. Dr Durbin was my dentist for more than 30 years. RIP my friend.
July 16, 2017
Lynn and Arah-Dean Wolaver
We are Lynn and Arah-Dean Wolaver and have been good friends with your Dad and Mom since Springfield
High School. We are so sorry to hear about Don. He was a very Special guy. You have our deepest sympathy. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and will ask God to give you strength.We live in Fairborn, OH and can be reached at [email protected].
July 15, 2017
Betsy Warren
Sorry for your loss Nancy. He was such a talented and hard working man!! Bets
July 15, 2017
Frank &Virginia Mercado
Nancy and family. We are very sorry for your loss.
July 14, 2017
Lois Van Meter
Nancy and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. There is such a void when you lose a parent. It is even more poignant I think because Like my father, yours was one of the WWII era. These men (and women) were of a different ilk. I think we have lost so much more than just our parents. Please know that I share your loss and even though time will take the sting away, nothing will ever fill that void. I can tell by the narrative in the obituary that this was an extraordinary man.
July 14, 2017
RALPH WELCH JR
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
July 14, 2017
Betsy Warren
July 14, 2017
Sharon Burnham
To Nancy and the Durbin Family I am very sorry for your loss. Don was my neighbor on East Lake Shore. We had some great discussions about the world in general. One year we had a lot of snow and he and I talked about buying a snow blower. He did buy one and gave me a copy of the instructions. Together we went over the instructions on how to use it. He also told me I could use his riding mower (which I never did). He was a great neighbor and I enjoyed our conversations.
July 14, 2017
Christine Pretkel
As a patient of Dr. Durbin I learned how to care for my teeth and how to keep nasty raccoons from living in the garage. What a guy. My sincere condolences to the family, they broke the mold when they made him. I smile whenever I think of him.
July 14, 2017
Nancy, so sorry to read of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. The Stanks family
July 13, 2017
Don's Family:
Don & his Family lived three houses from me on 7th Street and we went through Harvard Park Grade School together. My Family moved ...but still went through Springfield High School with Don.
Remember playing football in the street with Don.
May time heal your sorrow and may your fondest memories remain
My Sincere Sympathy
Eleanor J. Schweitzer -Sakris
July 13, 2017
Greg Lucas
I'm sorry for your lost. As one of Dr. Durbin's patients years ago I remember his kindness and talent very well.
July 13, 2017
Sue Dalbey Cox
Dr. Durbin was my dentist when I was a child. I remember going to the top of the Myers Brothers building to see him. Of course, I had no idea about his varied interests listed in the article about his life. I found that to be fascinating. My sympathy goes to his family and friends. Surely, you are greatly missing this multi-talented man. May God comfort you all at this time.
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