Franklin D. Durham, 89, of Newport departed this life on Friday, August 19, 2022. He was born November 11, 1932, to William and Bertha (Mahyue) Durham. Frank was a Baptist and a member of the Lake Side Baptist Church.
Franklin enlisted in the Army in 1949 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He was married to the love of his life, Tressie for 61 years. He was active in many organizations during his life. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 4683 and the DAV Chapter 34 where he also served as a DAV representative for Jackson County for 15 years. He was a Justice of the Peace and an elected member of the Quorum Court from 1980 until 2000. Frank retired from Revere Copper and Brass in Newport.
He enjoyed family gatherings and going to Tunica, Mississippi with family and friends. Frank enjoyed old westerns, hunting and fishing, Razorback sports and the St. Louis Cardinals when they were winning. Frank could always find something entertaining to do because of his love for life.
Frank was preceded in death by the love of his life Tressie Durham, his parents, step-son Scotty Holt, step-daughter Janet Holt Sylar, brothers: James “Pee Wee” Durham, W.D. “Dub” Durham, Eugene Durham, Bob Durham, sisters: Ruby Smart and Bitty Sue Cooper.
Frank is survived by his sons, Frankie Lynn Durham and Charles “Bill” Durham, sister: Betty Pearce, and grandchildren: Krisa Durham, Joshua Durham, Jason Durham, Kelsey Durham Phelan, Darin Durham, Brad Durham, Billie Jean (Danny) Howard, 3 step-grandchildren: Adam Holt, Annah Cambell, Susan Sylar. Frank had 3 special nieces that he loved dearly and they loved and took excellent care of him: Betty Gardner, Billie Barber, and Peggy Durham. Frank also had a host of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
The service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Dillinger Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00. Interment will be at Coffeyville Cemetery.
