Gerald Durbin

Gerald “Jerry” F. Durbin, 74, passed away, unexpectedly, at 2:05 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at his home.He was born March 31, 1942, in Bethalto, the son of Francis and Nellie (Wise) Durbin. He married Dorothy Bagenstos on March 9, 1963, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bunker Hill. She survives.Jerry was a veteran of the United States Navy from 1961 to 1964, and Army Reserves during the early 1980’s.Jerry worked for Laclede steel for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1994. He also owned and operated JR’s Dry Cleaning and Laundromat in Bethalto for 20 years, with his wife. He was a 3^rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Bethalto and a 4^th degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Alton.  Jerry enjoyed playing games, pinochle, camping, and most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, survivors include four sons, Tom Brooks and his wife Sue Anne of Rineyville, KY, Tony Durbin and Kat Foster of Belleville, Tim Durbin and his wife Debbie, of Moro, Todd Durbin and his fiancé, Misty Copeland of Dorsey; ten grandchildren, Justin and Jackie Brooks, Kristi and Zach Abdullah, Tayler Durbin, Ethan Durbin, Danny Durbin, Jenny Durbin, Katie Durbin, Jayme Copeland, Jackie Copeland, Jakob Copeland; one great grandchild, Jaylee Brooks; one sister, Dolores Oller of Roxana; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Marion Durbin.Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, with Honor Guard presented by the Knights of Columbus 4^th Degree.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Monday, January 9, 2017, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto with Rev. Tom Liebler officiating.Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto, with military rites performed by VFW post #1308.Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.An online condolence and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com .

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home