Charles Van Buren Durning, Jr.

Charles Van Buren Durning, Jr. passed away during the early morning hours Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at the age of 91.

He was born August 17, 1931 in Van Alstyne, Texas to Charles and Tommie Watts Durning. He received his education from the school of “Hard Knocks”. As a child, he saved enough money to buy a Benjamin Pump, which he still has today. As a young adult, he loved Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and would tell you that the 1949 HD UL Suicide shifted the best. In later years, he was an avid coin collector, and always considered himself a “Dry Dirt Farmer”.  He retired from Border Machinery in El Paso, Texas, where he was in the “Problem Solving Business”.

He married Zelda Ruth Hastings on July 27, 1957 in Odessa, Texas, who preceded him in death in November, 2022, and the couple had two children.  He paid a preacher $25 to marry He and Zelda, and said it was the best investment he ever made.  He loved his family, and his belief as a family man was “If I can’t bring the kids, I won’t go”.

At 91, he had a lot of wisdom and advice to share.”Is it good? Is it bad? Is it right? Is it wrong? Would dad approve?”…”Needs, wants, got to have, and can afford”….

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 65 years, Zelda, and sisters Tillie Eakin and Dorothy Tilson. He is survived by daughter Monda Thurston and son Chuck Durning; grandchildren Kilea (Adam) Johnson, Bethany (Johnie) Ramirez, and Sterling Durning; great-grandchildren Chance Durning and Adalyine Johnson; Linnie (Johnie) Cox and Sherri Jennings.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, January 20, 2023 at Kimbrough Funeral Home, 300 W. 9th Street in Cisco.  Graveside services will be 3:00 PM Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Longbranch Cemetery, with Marlin Overman officiating.

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