Joseph Woodrow Durden, Jr. (Joe), of Gillette, Wyoming, formerly of Fort Smith, passed away on October 12, 2013, after suffering a massive stroke. He was born May 24, 1947 in Fort Smith to Joseph Woodrow and Georgetta Rowland Durden. He graduated from the University of Arkansas and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He served in the US Navy, aboard the USS Jason during the Vietnam War. He recently retired as an Electrical Engineer for Peabody Coal in Gillette.
He is survived by two children, whom he adored, Reynold Ruppe Durden (Rey) currently attending New Mexico State University, and Georgia Carolyn Durden (Gigi), a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is also survived by a brother, Robert Rowland Durden (Bud) of Arlington, Texas and a sister, Genie Durden Shoffey of Leawood, Kansas. He leaves nephews and nieces, Robert Durden of Califon, NJ, Marilyn Durden Guion, of Houston, Texas, Brandon Durden of Little Rock, Michaelann Durden of Arlington, Texas, Kelly Hicks and Rachel Sims of Fort Smith, Gray Shoffey McBay of Falls Church, Virginia and Amber Shoffey Van Namee of Orlando, Florida along with many cousins whom he held dear.
Memorial Service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, December 21, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Private burial of cremains will be prior to the service at Forest Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to: The Joseph W. Durden, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club, 4905 North "O" Street, Fort Smith, AR 72904 .
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