Isaac "Ike" Kenneth Duren

Mr. Isaac Kenneth Duren, known to friends and family as Ike, passed away on July 4, 2021 at the age of 66 in his home in Panama City Beach, FL. Born in Gulf County to his parents, mother Lina Whitehurst Duren and father Isaac Walter Duren, he was the youngest child. The baby of four children, he was close with his siblings, sisters Crista Duren Jones and Catherine Duren VanBuskirk as well as his brother George W. Duren. Growing up in Port St Joe, Ike worked in the family business and attended First United Methodist Church as a young boy.

After graduating from Port St Joe High School, Ike attended the University of Alabama where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. While attending the University of Alabama, Ike was a cheerleader for the Crimson Tide where his personality shined on the sidelines leading victorious Roll Tide cheers. While in college, he met his wife of nearly 42 years, Alisa Elmore Duren, at an ice cream shop and thus began a lifetime of memories. Once married, the two resided close to his hometown in Mexico Beach, FL.

It is there where Ike flourished as a successful Real Estate Owner/ Broker for over 40 years and built a successful entrepreneurial spirit. He was a hard-working man that never took a day off and learned at a young age if you want something you have to work for it yourself. He built many successful businesses throughout his lifetime, one of which was the PCB Cheer and Dance Camps in partnership with the Universal Cheerleading Association that he and his wife managed together for over 20 years. As residents of Bay County, the couple attended First Baptist Church of Panama City.

A proud father to their only child, Ike adored the role of a father to his daughter, Cristin Duren Henry. Once on the sidelines himself, he cheered her on with every step in life. He was the proud father that encouraged his daughter to do big things and accomplish significant goals. He was always mindful that anything is possible if you work for it. The lights of his life were by far his grandchildren. He always had a special treat, a big hug or a funny saying to make them giggle. He taught them Alabama cheers, loved to hear them read to him and taught them funny sayings like, “Hey hey hey, must be ok.”

Ike had a heart of gold, and his spirit was as original as they come: kind, loyal, honest, resilient, humorous and always positive. He always had a way of looking at a situation honestly and unbiased while being mindful of the best of another’s needs. He spent much of his time mentoring others and cherished the advice and guidance of his dear friends. A loving husband, an idealized father and a precious Papa, Ike loved “his girls” and wore the titles as husband, father, and most especially Papa so proud. He was extremely fond of his beloved cats that he loved as though they were his children too.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lina and Walter Duren and sister Crista Jones. Ike is survived by his wife Alisa Duren; daughter, Cristin Henry (Chad); grandchildren, Abigail, Caroline, Brooklyn and Cole Henry; sister, Catherine VanBuskirk (Joe); brother, George W. Duren (Hilda); nieces, Anna Duren Reid (Ron), Katherine Padilla (Ralph); nephews Lee Duren, Greg Jones (Tina); great- nieces and nephews as well as many other dear family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday July 12, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Panama City with Pastor David Hecht officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday afternoon at Southerland Family Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted at www.southerlandfamily.com.