Ralph Wayne Durant was born in Kerman, California and passed away peacefully in Fresno, California. He was the son of Clarence and Carolyn (née Skov) Durant. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister, Dolores Beebe and his brothers-in-law, Donley Davidson, Charles Davidson, and Ron Rogers. He is survived by his wife, Nelda Durant; his children, Tracey (David) Lackey, Ryan Durant, and Bryan (Michelle) Durant; his grandchildren, Emily Nau, Julie Durant, Anna Lackey, Alex Durant, Andrew Lackey, Rebecca Durant, Seth Lackey, and Grace Durant; his twin sister, Phyllis Rogers; and his sister-in-law, Bebe (John) Shupe, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was raised in Kerman and graduated from Kerman Union High School in 1952. Following his graduation from Fresno State College, he was drafted into the army and stationed at Fort Huachuca Army Base in Arizona.
Although he held many jobs throughout his life, his role as a farmer was especially important to him. His family and many friends have fond memories of time spent with him working on his Thompson Seedless vines. After he stopped farming, he started taking cancer patients to and from their doctor’s appointments and began volunteering at St. Agnes.
Ralph and Nelda were members of Peoples Church for nearly 40 years. In addition to attending church services and Sunday classes, he served as an usher for over 30 years. He was well loved at the church and many friends were made during his years of service.
His family remembers his love of all sports, most especially 49ers football, Golden State Warriors basketball, SF Giants baseball, and the Fresno State Bulldogs. He was also well known for his work ethic and worked hard on many household and yard improvement projects, tree removals, as well as other fix-it jobs over the years.
Ralph will be privately interred at Belmont Memorial Gardens. Remembrances can be made to Wounded Warriors or to the donor’s favorite charity.
