Charles "Chuck" Durnan

DURNAN, Charles "Chuck" – age 77, passed away with his loving daughter, Kelly, by his side on February 9, 2024. Chuck was visiting her and her family in Cincinnati, Ohio and we are comforted knowing it brought him peace to be surrounded with her love.
Charles was born December 22, 1946, in Flint, Michigan to Charles and Mary (Couchman) Durnan. He was the youngest child of a big and close family with strong roots in the Flint area. He was the bookend brother to oldest Chris, and proud brother to four sisters – Mary Anne (Carlson), Rita (Walker), Myrtle (Bednarski) and Charlotte (Crampton) – who spoiled him with love and adoration throughout their lives. His sisters and their families were instrumental in Chuck's life and he remained close with them and their beautiful families always. A 1965 graduate of Flint Southwestern High School, he was a lifelong champion of Flint's "comeback" always searching for proof that the city was headed for a return to glory. After graduating high school, Chuck started, like many in the family, working at "the shop" for General Motors. He attended classes at Mott Community College and then transferred to Central Michigan University to finish his degree in education. His entire teaching career was with the Holly Area Schools at Davisburg Elementary. He retired in 2002. He was a passionate and innovative teacher bringing the wisdom of Zig Ziglar to his students, he became known as the "I Can Man" teaching hundreds of students the power of positive thinking. He stayed connected with his students over the years, connecting through FaceBook and was always proud of their accomplishments. A lifelong lover of all things baseball, Chuck coached JV baseball for Holly Schools, as well as youth and men's teams throughout most of his life. He was a diehard Tigers fan, only missing opening day as his health failed. Everything he did in life he did with contagious enthusiasm – building a following for Disney, double pepperoni pizzas and family vacations.
Chuck was married in 1984 to Ellen (Cloud) who cared for him compassionately during his years of failing health. Between them they brought four children together and created a beautiful family. Kelly (Gavin), Leslie, Chad (Anh Minh) and Melissa grew up together, taking crazy adventures and spending summers at Daytona Beach and Disney World. Having purchased a condo in Daytona Beach in 1984, Chuck's mission every year was for the entire family to come "to the beach!". He relentlessly reminded and orchestrated memories and created so much excitement about this tradition that, today, more than 50 members of the family make the annual pilgrimage to Daytona Beach to spend time together in the sun. It is one of his most lasting and special legacies.
Along with his love and connection with his many nieces, nephews and extended family, his life beautifully and profoundly shaped his grandchildren - Mackenzie (30), Connor (24), Elinor (20), Liam (16), Greyson (14), Avery (13), Leland (12), Macy (10) and Logan (9). He welcomed all into the circle of family and sought ways to connect through shared interests in baseball, traveling, Disney and music.
A lifelong adventurer, starting with his famous cross-country trip in his VW Bug, Chuck was always dreaming of the next trip. Chuck and Ellen traveled extensively taking annual trips with a group of fellow "Disney fanatics" on the Disney Cruise Line and connecting with friends and family at the Disney resorts or on crazy adventures going cross-country on Amtrak trains or visiting ball parks.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ellen, with whom he enjoyed years of laughter, adventure and family. Their shared commitment to family and togetherness is a bond that will endure. Along with Ellen, Chuck is survived by his children and a large circle of family and friends, extending all of the way to Scotland.
Family Matters!
A Celebration of Chuck's Life will be held 1 PM Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Road, Davison, MI 48423; Greg Carlson officiating. The family will receive visitors 11 AM-1 PM Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home.
Please share your thoughts with the family at www.allenfuneralhomeinc.com