Douglas Dean Duryea

Douglas Dean Duryea went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2022. Doug was born on July 21, 1935, to Ralph and Vivian (Gibson) Duryea.  Doug married Marie Genther on January 5, 1957. Although they later divorced, they had 4 wonderful children: Jerri, Raymond, Sarah, and Benjamin.  On August 15, 1987 Doug married Shirley Dines.  Shirley added 3 daughters to the family.  Sadly, Shirley passed away on September 6, 2017.  Later, the family continued to grow when Doug fell in love and married Sandra Smith on May 25, 2019 and Sandra’s three daughters became part of the family.

Doug is survived by his wife Sandra; his children: Ray (Eddie Buitrago) Duryea and Sarah (Eddie) Burgen; and Shirley’s three daughters: Lyn (Charlie) Shumaker, Vickey (Kevin) Christopher and Debbie (Tom) Benzie. He is also survived by Sandra’s daughters:  Michelle (Gregory) Drew, Yvonne Leggett and Leanna (Javan) Holman. Doug also leaves behind his three sisters: Jacque (Jim) James, Lu Ann Cooke and Wende (Jim) Coffindaffer; 21 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his parents; his children: Jerri Remynse and Benjamin Duryea.

Doug grew up in Hopkins, Michigan.  He was raised on a horse farm where he drove a team of horses and later progressed to tractors. He graduated from Hopkins High School in 1953. After high school, Doug went straight into an apprenticeship at GM as a tool and die maker.  He went into the Army in 1954 where he served his country until 1956. He was honorably discharged and went back to GM where he became a supervisor. He retired from GM after almost 45 years of service. Family was a huge part of Doug’s life.  He could always be found with the camcorder or camera documenting every moment with his family and friends.  Doug had a cabin in the Northern Michigan town of White Cloud. The cabin has been handed down and is still in the family today.  Many memories were made there.   Doug always carried his planner in his front shirt pocket and would take notes on all the family and their activities. He would always do his best to be a part of every activity or event he was invited to.  He would also make up a calendar for everyone each year that had all the birthdays, anniversaries etc. Everyone in the family would get personalized Christmas cards as well as birthday cards every year without fail; all made on his home computer. He loved family reunions and enjoyed recording all kinds of family facts and data.  After retirement, he began woodworking and fell in love with it. He would make marble game boards for all of his family members.  He loved being able to use those boards to play marbles with his family and friends.  He made countless other hand crafted gifts and creations out of wood over the years. Doug wintered in Florida and enjoyed being a part of the Molokai community of friends. There he met Sandra while playing shuffleboard and asked her out to lunch. During lunch they realized they shared a lot of the same beliefs and values.  They became best friends, fell in love and were married.

Church was a big part of Doug’s life. He had a strong faith and served on many boards and committees as well as supporting missionaries.  He lived out his faith with his family.  He always prayed before meals and led by example.  Doug was kind and generous.  He was hardworking and put others ahead of himself.

Following his wishes, cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life is being planned for Saturday, May 20 at 2:00p.m. at the Allegan United Methodist Church; 409 Trowbridge St. (269) 673-4236. The gathering will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 at the same location.  While visiting Doug’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. The family is being assisted by Avink  McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 120 S Woodhams St in Plainwell (269) 685-5881.