Durwood Hottinger

Durwood Page Hottinger HARRISONBURG - Durwood Page Hottinger, 62, of Lacey Spring, went to be with the Lord Aug. 9, 2009, at his residence. He was born in Harrisonburg, Nov. 15, 1946, to the late Elvira Hinkle Hottinger Matheny and Edgar Hottinger. Durwood lived his entire life in the Shenadoah Valley but traveled across the United States with his job as a crane operator for Dean Steel and later Harmon Construction. In earlier years he worked for Tom Salyer, moving and setting up mobile homes. He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, the late Betty Jean Jarrels Hottinger. He is survived by a brother, Don Hottinger of Waleska, Ga.; a sister, Diane Hottinger Mullen of Chesapeake; his fianceé, Toni D. Stormer; best friend, Mike Allebaugh; special niece and nephew, Karen and Chad Allebaugh and nephew Mike Allebaugh Jr.; three nephews raised like sons, Donnie, Chuck and Douglas Jarrels, and numerous other nieces and nephews, Corinne and Harold Ramos and their son Jadyn Kai Mullen Ramos of Virginia Beach, Cristin and Steve Loschi of New York, K.C. and Ozzie Amerson and their daughter Morgan Piero of Chesapeake, Mark and Margaret Hottinger and their children Brendon, Haley and Abbey of Alabama; loving aunts and uncles, (maternal) Charlotte and Ken Whetzel of New Market, EstaMae and Stanley Derrow of Mayland, Elmo and Betty Hinkle of Timberville, Earl and Beulah Hinkle of New Market, Sharon and Stanley Hulvey (deceased) and maternal grandparents, Viola and Floyd Hinkle (deceased); (paternal) Dolan Hottinger of Timberville, Tom Hottinger (deceased), Gene and Frances Hottinger (deceased), Doris Slade of Richmond, and paternal grandparents, Mae and Oscar Hottinger (deceased). "Durry" never met a stranger and was always welcoming. He had the ability to spin a tale, transforming it into the most entertaining event and always left the listener wanting more. He was a man of many talents. He could paint your car, help build your house, call an auction, or cook up the most delicious vegetable soup for the hunt club. At the age of 17, Durwood operated a poultry farm when his grandfather Floyd Hinkle suffered a heart attack. He was named top FFA Poultryman in Virginia that year, while he was still attending Broadway High School. Durry also graduated from the Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 1978. A memorial service was held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Melrose Church of the Brethren with Pastor Guy Hudson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the RMH Hospice, 235 Cantrell Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Online condolences may be sent to the Hottinger Family by visiting www.kygers.com. Arrangements entrusted to the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.