DURBIN. John Webb "Jack" - b. June 3, 1898 - d. June 12, 1976

[ddurbin]

John Webb  Durbin, son of Metta G. and Edward M. Durbin, was born June 3rd, 1898 near Moline, Kansas. He died June 12, 1976 at Mercy Hospital, Independence, Kansas.  He died June 12, 1976 at Mercy Hospital, Independence, Kansas.

He was united in marriage to Edith Lynam on March 26, 1921. To this union, three sons were born:  Gene L. Durbin of Aransas Pass, Texas,  Ronald Reid Durbin of Moline, Kansas, and Jack T. Durbin of San Antonio, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Edith.

Other survivors are  his first son and wife, Gene and Bonnie Durbin of Aransas Pass, Texas and their children and grandchildren:  a son, Ronald Gene Durbin and his wife Norma and their daughter Dedra, of San Marcos, Texas;  a daughter, Janice and her husband Norman Spears II and their two sons,  Norman Spears IV and Samuel L. of Rockport, Texas; and a daughter, Cathy and her husband, Felix Turnbough Jr. of Ingleside, Texas.

Also surviving are a second son and wife, Ronald Reid and Ella Mae Durbin of Moline, Kansas and their children and grandchildren:  a daughter and husband, Sharon and Tom Patteson and their children, Cathy and Wade of Fredonia, Kansas; a son and wife, Ronald Reid Jr. and Dolores and their children, Ronald Reid III, Denise, and Robet John of Anchorage, Alaska; a daughter and husband, Deanna and William Cannon and their son, William Joseph of Anchorage, Alaska; a daughter, Nancy and husband, Nancy and Kenneth Liebau and their sons, Judd and Jacob of  Grenola, Kansas.

A third son, Jack T. Durbin of San Antonio, Texas also survives, along with his daughter,  Dana and husband Ed Gillespie and their daughter Angela of Haysville, Kansas.

Also surviving is a sister, Mrs. L.W. Morgan of Aransas Pass, Texas.

Jack was a member of the United Methodist Church.  He shared in the universal knowledge; that God is everywhere. He believed in the teachings of Jesus and tried to live by them. He enjoyed the great outdoors and most of his life was spent in ranching.  He assisted in organizing the Elk County Rodeo and was President of the association until the time of his death.  He treasured his family and friends.

"A Quotation"
'Tis something rare and fine of which I never tire
A trip into the long ago with a friend beside my fire.

Pertaining to marriage he shared with his wife the philosophy best expressed by Kahill Gibran in his masterpiece "The Prophet". Quote:

"You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.  Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping, for only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.  And stand together, yet not too near together, for the Pillars of the Temple stand apart, and the Oak tree and Cypress grow not in each others shadow."

The Community as a whole will suffer a loss.  They acknowledged and accepted his judgment, knowledge and interest in the cattle industry.

The Last Roundup is over, he has joined his Cowboy friends of yesteryear.  A Joyous reunion awaits him in the sky.

(published in the Elk County Reporter 6/24/1976)