Danville - Robert Thomas Durbin, 81, of Danville, passed away Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 at Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.
He was born December 16, 1932 to Pius and Mary (Gardner) Durbin. He was a 1950 graduate of Danville High School and attended Kenyon College and Notre Dame University. He received the Kenyon College Athletic Hall of Fame award for being a member of the undefeated Kenyon College Football Team of 1950.
He served in U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He was stationed in Newfoundland and Biloxi, Miss., and achieved the rank of staff sergeant.
He married the love of his life, Carol Ann Spearman in 1956. He often said he couldn't imagine his life on earth without her and now he won't have to. Together they had six daughters, Victoria Durbin of Mount Vernon, Elizabeth Durbin of Danville, Judith Keller of Glassboro, NJ, Annette Durbin-Nagel of Columbus, Della Dickson of Grange, IN, and Amy Durbin of Louisville, KY.
Together they started Durbin Plumbing & Heating in 1965, and later owned and operated the Danville Hardware from 1972-1979. He retired in 1995 but continued to work part-time at G.R. Smith Hardware.
He was a life-long, dedicated member of St. Luke Catholic Church, serving in a variety of ministries including lector, Eucharistic minister and resident handyman. He often served at the beck and call of the priest. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Danville Lions Club. In his later years he looked forward to his weekly Meals on Wheels route with dear friend Peggy Dunn and treasured his vacations on any beach with his family. He spent many hours sucking on butterscotch disks while doing crossword puzzles, mowing the lawn, tinkering in the garage and listening to big band era music. He adored little kids, ornery jokes, and ice cream. He liked being around his family and grandchildren and had a smile for everyone.
In addition to his wife and daughters he is survived by sons-in law; Michael Keller, Steven L. Dickson, Jr. and Thomas J. Nagel, grandchildren; Thomas Gongwer, Hope Brill, Collin Brill, Lauren Keller, Maggie Keller, Levi Dickson, Elle Dickson and Carol Ann Durbin, siblings; Mary Jo Oberfield of Newark, Helen Miller of Mansfield, Paul of Mount Vernon, Charles of Fountain, Co., Katherine Durbin of Henderson, Tenn., and Donna Brust of Castle Rock, Co, and dozens of nieces and nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Walter, Douglas and Margaret.
Friends may call Wednesday, from 4-7 p.m. at the St. Luke Catholic Church. Visitation continues during the hour preceding the funeral, which will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4 at St. Luke Catholic Church in Danville. Father Homer Blubaugh will officiate. Burial will follow at the St. Luke Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Luke Catholic Church, P.O. Box P, or to the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District, PO Box 526, Danville, 43014. The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is handling arrangements. www.fischerfuneralhome.com
