Gerald "Dean" Durbin

DECATUR - Gerald "Dean" Durbin, 85, of Decatur, passed away Monday, May 9, 2011 at Lincoln Manor in Decatur, Illinois. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2011 at Holy Family Catholic Church, visitation from 5 to 7p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will be at Mt. Gilead Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Church or to St Teresa High School. Moran & Goebel is assisting in these arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.moranand goebel.com. Gerald was born May 11, 1925 in Pana, Illinois, the son of Steven R. and Verna (Godwin) Durbin Sr. Gerald proudly served his country in the US Army from 1943 to 1946. He was a charter member of Holy Family Parish, helped organize South Shores Baseball, and coached for many years. He was a life honorary member of Knights of Columbus #577. Gerald was very active in all of his children's and grandchildren's sports activities. In his early years as a first year golfer he shot a hole-in-one at Scovill Golf Course, his second of the season, on the 142-yard eighth hole, less than a month prior he aced the 208 yard no. 11. Gerald retired from the Mueller Company after 25 years of service. On May 13, 1950 he married Dorothy A. Dieckhoff in Decatur, Illinois. Surviving are his wife, sons, Gary L. Durbin and wife Jan, Edward A. Durbin and wife Lorrie, and Thomas M. Durbin and wife Lois, all of Decatur, grandchildren, Matthew Durbin of St. Louis, Jacob Durbin of Elburn, Melissa Staples of Edwardsville, Jeffrey Durbin of Edwardsville, Amy Durbin of Decatur, Craig Durbin of Indianapolis, Joshua Durbin of Carol Stream, and Jeremy Durbin also of Carol Stream. Gerald was greeted into Heaven by his parents, 1 brother, 1 sister, and 1 grandchild, Ryan. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/ herald-review/