HAYDEN
Jerry Dean Durham, age 81, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and a deep connection to the land and the people he cared about.
Jerry was one of the strongest, most dedicated, and honest people anyone could ever meet; he was a pillar of strength for his family and friends. A true craftsman and skilled master mason, Jerry played a significant role in shaping his community through his work on many well-known structures, including North Vernon Elementary School, Jennings County Middle School, Rock Creek Elementary School, Columbus Indiana City Hall, and the Columbus Indiana Library, among countless others. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality ensured that every project he touched became a lasting monument to his dedication. His work will stand as a testament to his skill and dedication for years to come.
Beyond his work, Jerry was a mentor to many. He imparted his wisdom and work ethic to those fortunate enough to learn from him, always teaching by example. His ability to combine hard work with humility made him a role model not just to his children and grandchildren but to anyone who crossed his path.
Jerry found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved hunting for mushrooms, raccoons, squirrels, and ginseng. He spent many happy hours with his friend Mike Root, searching for collectibles in old dumps?a pastime that brought him great joy. Jerry was also an avid fisherman, spending countless hours on the river in his flat-bottom boat with his grandson Jeramy Durham, whom he raised like a son, and his friend Mike Root, sharing stories and reeling in memories.
Jerry’s love for the outdoors was a reflection of his deep respect for the earth. Whether hunting in the woods or fishing on the river, he found peace in nature’s quiet embrace. He passed down this appreciation to his family, teaching them not just how to hunt and fish, but how to find joy in the world around them.
As a devoted great-grandfather, Jerry cherished the time he spent babysitting his great-grandchildren, Jude and Elia Durham. He had a special way of making their days memorable, often filling them with candy and sweets before sending them home. Jerry also enjoyed visiting all of his great-grandchildren: Lennoxx and Vincent Case, Haydn and Ollivander, and Rayden and Aurora Durham, creating cherished moments with each of them.
A man of the land, Jerry took pride in raising chickens, working in his beautiful garden each year, nurturing fruit trees, and caring for his honey bees. His hands were never idle, always tending to something that would bring life and beauty to those around him.
For the past 16 years, one of Jerry’s greatest joys was his relationship with his significant other, Linda King. Together, they shared countless adventures and cherished moments, with Jerry often remarking that keeping up with Linda was one of his favorite hobbies.
Jerry was previously married to Maxine Durham, who passed away. Together, they shared many years of marriage, raising their children and building a life filled with love and success. The values they instilled in their family continue to shape the lives of their children and grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Marlin Durham.
Jerry was born to Edna Hannah Durham (maiden name Beckman) and James Meredith Durham, who both preceded him in death. He was the embodiment of the values his parents and his time on earth instilled in him: a love for the land, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to family.
He is survived by his brothers Danny and Donny Durham, and his sisters Kathy Bowers and Susan Maupin.
Jerry’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his family. He wasn’t just a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; he was the bedrock upon which his family was built. His love was steady, his support unwavering, and his presence a source of comfort and strength. He showed his family the value of hard work, the importance of honesty, and the joy of living a life close to the earth.
Jerry leaves behind a loving family who will carry on his memory: his daughter Tina Christian (maiden name Durham) and her husband Tim Christian, his son Jerry Lee Durham, and his grandchildren Jeramy Durham and his wife Erin, Melinda Case (maiden name Durham) and her husband Brad, Joshua Durham, and Jessica Korte. He was blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Jude and Elia Durham, children of Jeramy and Erin Durham; Lennoxx and Vincent Case, children of Melinda and Brad Case; Haydn and Ollivander, children of Jessica Korte; and Rayden and Aurora Durham, children of Joshua Durham. He is also survived by Linda King, whose companionship and friendship brought him joy and comfort in his later years.
Though Jerry has passed on, his spirit will forever be felt in the places he built, the land he nurtured, and the family he loved so dearly. His memory will be a guiding light, reminding all who knew him to live with the same passion, integrity, and love that he did. Jerry’s life was a testament to hard work, love, and the simple joys that make life truly rich. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him
Family and friends will gather from 11:00 am until the service at 1:00 pm, Friday, September 6, 2024 at Burkholder Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes, 419 N. Chestnut Street, Seymour, Indiana. Concluding services and interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.
Memorials may given to the Hayden Historical Museum or to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Please share memories and condolences at www.burkholderfuneralchapel.com.
