1920
LaVaughn
2012
LaVaughn Durham
September 16, 1920 — July 3, 2012
LaVaughn (Bull) Wilbur Durham, 91, of Raytown, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Sunrise of Leawood. LaVaughn was born September 16, 1920 and raised in Atchison, KS, the son of Jennie Moeck and Jarvis Jasper Durham. LaVaughn graduated from Atchison High School, class of 1939.
LaVaughn was called to proudly serve his country during WWII in 1942. His first post was in North Africa, then ultimately serving throughout Europe as an Army 252 Battalion Engineer. He immediately returned to marry the love of his life, Darlene June Coit. They celebrated over 63 years of devotion and wedded bliss. Darlene preceded him in death in 2009. LaVaughn is survived by his one daughter, Nancy Wallerstein, her husband Ed of Prairie Village, their daughter Bess and her fiancé Chris Huff of Overland Park. LaVaughn is also survived by his brother-in-law Bobby F. Coit of Rockport, MO.
LaVaughn retired from TWA where he worked as an airline upholsterer. He learned his trade from his father, originally in the horse and buggy business. After WWII, he worked as an automotive upholsterer for C.H. Canada in Kansas City, MO, then for National Fabric in Kansas City and joined TWA in 1971. He was an active member in his churches, first at Paseo Methodist Church, where he coached the boy's basketball team and for the last 45 years at Blue Ridge Methodist Church where he ran the church pantry. LaVaughn devoted his life to his family. He was gregarious, out-going and never knew a stranger. LaVaughn was an active Cracker Jack toy collector. He enjoyed his high school's and WWII Battalion Engineer reunions. While Darlene worked evenings and weekends, LaVaughn accompanied Nancy to PTA functions, Camp Fire Girl outings and church activities. He was oftentimes the only father in the room. In 2010, as a WWII veteran, LaVaughn went to Washington DC on an Honor Flight to visit the WWII memorial, a trip he truly cherished.
Visitation will be held at D. W. Newcomer's, 8201 Metcalf in Overland Park, KS 66204 at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 7th. A private burial will be at Nortonville Cemetery, Nortonville, KS. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mark's Methodist Church Food Pantry, 6422 Santa Fe, Overland Park, KS 66202 or Heartland Honor Flight, PO Box 2125, Lee's Summit, MO 64063-2125.
Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at
www.dwnoverlandparkchapel.com
(Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66204, 913-648-6445)
LaVaughn was called to proudly serve his country during WWII in 1942. His first post was in North Africa, then ultimately serving throughout Europe as an Army 252 Battalion Engineer. He immediately returned to marry the love of his life, Darlene June Coit. They celebrated over 63 years of devotion and wedded bliss. Darlene preceded him in death in 2009. LaVaughn is survived by his one daughter, Nancy Wallerstein, her husband Ed of Prairie Village, their daughter Bess and her fiancé Chris Huff of Overland Park. LaVaughn is also survived by his brother-in-law Bobby F. Coit of Rockport, MO.
LaVaughn retired from TWA where he worked as an airline upholsterer. He learned his trade from his father, originally in the horse and buggy business. After WWII, he worked as an automotive upholsterer for C.H. Canada in Kansas City, MO, then for National Fabric in Kansas City and joined TWA in 1971. He was an active member in his churches, first at Paseo Methodist Church, where he coached the boy's basketball team and for the last 45 years at Blue Ridge Methodist Church where he ran the church pantry. LaVaughn devoted his life to his family. He was gregarious, out-going and never knew a stranger. LaVaughn was an active Cracker Jack toy collector. He enjoyed his high school's and WWII Battalion Engineer reunions. While Darlene worked evenings and weekends, LaVaughn accompanied Nancy to PTA functions, Camp Fire Girl outings and church activities. He was oftentimes the only father in the room. In 2010, as a WWII veteran, LaVaughn went to Washington DC on an Honor Flight to visit the WWII memorial, a trip he truly cherished.
Visitation will be held at D. W. Newcomer's, 8201 Metcalf in Overland Park, KS 66204 at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 7th. A private burial will be at Nortonville Cemetery, Nortonville, KS. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mark's Methodist Church Food Pantry, 6422 Santa Fe, Overland Park, KS 66202 or Heartland Honor Flight, PO Box 2125, Lee's Summit, MO 64063-2125.
Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at
www.dwnoverlandparkchapel.com
(Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66204, 913-648-6445)
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