Robert Eugene "Eugene" Durham

Robert "Eugene" Durham of Pearland, Texas passed away on Thursday evening June 5, 2025, two months shy of reaching 82. He was cared for by his family and Vantage Hospice as he fought a quick and aggressive battle with Sporadic Creutz-Jakob Disease (sCJD). Robert passed away comfortably at home surrounded by his family.

Robert, better known as Eugene, was born on August 31, 1943, in Lake County, Florida to Ellis Layman Durham and Nellie Pierce. Due to the passing of his mother, he was born premature weighing less than 2lbs. The doctors sent him home without hope. He would tell the story of how his Aunt Gerdie saved him by feeding him mashed potatoes and keeping him warm behind the cook stove, he was a miracle! Eugene suffered the loss of his father at age 8 and soon after the loss of his precious grandmother who raised him, but not before grandma gave him some spoiling. Grandmother's good-bye instilled a memory in Robert as a young boy. Words that he took with him throughout life, "I will no longer see you on this earth, but I will see you in heaven". Eugene lived a faith-based life holding on to the words that he would see his grandmother again one day.

Eugene had a heart rendering childhood. He was forced to start working and providing for himself at a young age. Though difficult, Eugene's early years played a pivotal role in the amazing man he would become and the lessons he would pass down through generations. He would teach the value of hard work, dedication and the power of a handshake. He would ingrain that your name is all you have and it should be bound by your word. Eugene instilled kindness through his willingness to serve and help others. He was a man of empathy and love.

At the age of 17, on October 6, 1960, Eugene enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. He lived in a generation that understood what life looked like during the war. He was proud to be a soldier and understood the sacrifice of freedom. He accomplished honors in his service as a marksman and a top physical athlete.

Eugene spoke fondly of his young adult years. It was during a time that some would consider simpler or the golden age, the 50's and 60's. He would speak joyfully of his years with his siblings and cousins as they enjoyed working on their muscle cars and living on their terms. Eugene was never one to be told what to do and may have had a drag racing story or two. He was of the time that he never left the house without his hair combed and a clean shave. He had a manicured appearance through his final days.

It was at the end of Eugene's time in the United States Army Reserve that he met Linda Culp. They were married on November 5, 1966 and would remain married for 30 years, followed by a friendship that would extend their relationship to over 60 years. Together the two of them raised four children and nurtured their nieces and nephews. Bringing family together was the foundation of who Eugene was. There was always an excuse to gather the family and extended family to have a dinner or ride motor bikes in the yard. Eugene always kept his siblings and their families close. He and Linda opened their home to anyone in need, and he made sure no one ever went hungry.

Over his life Eugene held many jobs he was fond of. He also had those that he would "quit", just because something hit him the wrong way. He would tell stories of how he would walk across the street and have another job the same day. He was a man of charisma and favor. You couldn't help but want to be around him. Eugene often spoke of his job as a meat cutter in Florida. Believe it or not, the meat cutter had a lot of pull in those days. So much so, he was recruited by the town mayor. Eugene said the mayor hired him to answer phones, run errands and drive him around. We're not sure how many phone calls were actually answered, but he had plenty of stories of driving the mayor and his rich Texas brother around. He had a free pass with all the local police and was told by the mayor that he could be made into a rich man. Eugene eventually "quit" the mayor and in time moved to Michigan. In November of 1967 he began his 36-1/2 year career with Ford Motor Company. It was at Ford he worked alongside family in the plant and provided for his growing family at home. He was loyal to Ford. None of his immediate family could drive anything but a Ford and all visitors with foreign cars had to park down the street, not in the driveway.

During the time that Eugene was raising his family he supported his sister Charlene in her calling to ministry. He stood by her side as she started The Clinton Church of God. On March 25, 1993, Eugene received his Ministerial Certificate and became Reverand Robert Eugene Durham. He would go on to support Charleen and help others through his sermons and outreach. As a Reverand he deepened his faith and became a scholar of the word. His faith and sermons are reflected in the noted and highlighted pages of his bible.

Eugene was a simple man. He spent his days in retirement visiting with his family and friends. He would drive around from house to house. If you didn't see his truck or car at least once a day you knew to check on him. He would always come in with his Hawaiian shirt and a jovial smile, a laugh and something silly to say. He would talk about the weather, current affairs and about whomever he had seen or talked to earlier that day. He would only stay for a moment then he was off to walk the nature trail or do whatever the wind placed in his steps. If you talked with him on the phone, it was always a short conversation. Sometimes you would be lucky if you got in a good-bye before he hung up the phone. You always knew he loved you, even if you were hung up on, and he always knew the same in return. Eugene loved his family and his church. He enjoyed fishing, camping, walking in nature, traveling, trains, sports and just visiting and talking with people. He stayed busy all the time.

In June of 2018 Eugene relocated to Pearland, TX to be near his daughter Elayne and her family, his youngest son David and his oldest friend Linda. It was there that his routine consisted of daily coffee with the family, time listening and being involved with the grandchildren, taking the grandkids to breakfast, enjoying restaurant lunches, walks around the local stores, scratch off lotto tickets at the Kroger around the corner, Sunday dinners with the family and whatever else he decided to get into. He brought so much joy and laughter to the family and to anyone that crossed his path. Eugene's grandchildren, near, far, grown or small were his "pride and joy", and he would make sure you knew about them all.

Eugene experienced and saw more in his lifetime than many of us will ever know or understand. He has loved us all by sharing his life experiences. He encouraged and inspired us by sharing his passions and perspectives. He shared his wisdom through his mistakes and taught us integrity through taking responsibility, asking for and granting forgiveness. He was always quick to forgive. Eugene bragged about those he loved from his siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to his nieces and nephews. He shared all of himself with his family and friends. He loved fiercely, perfectly and imperfectly. Eugene never met a stranger and leaves this world touching the lives of so many. No one more than his grandson Emmitt. Our family will miss our morning coffee discussions, weekly Sunday dinners and phone calls from afar. All that knew Eugene will miss his Hawaiian shirts, life stories, his distinct and beautiful laugh, his bright blue eyes and the way he would make us all belly laugh and spit out or coffee at his silly phrases, like "I quit them" and "uglier than homemade soap". We will cherish the gift of his quirky personality, biblical knowledge, encouragement, wisdom and love. Heaven truly received an angel when Eugene received his wings. May he rest in peace in his heavenly home.

Eugene is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Layman Durham and Nellie Pierce; Sister Charlene Adams (Durham) and brother-in-law Elmer Adams; Half-sister Sandra Watkins and countless other family and friends.

Eugene is survived by his lifelong friend Linda Krashowetz (Culp) of Pearland, TX; Children, Matthew (Kathleen) Durham of Metamora, OH; Mark (Patricia) Durham of Clinton, MI; Elayne (Anthony) Sapp (Durham) of Pearland, TX; and David Durham of Houston, TX. Grandchildren, Tiffany (Caleb) Smith (Durham) of Perrysburg, OH; Chelsea (Matthew) Flowers (Durham) of Metamora, OH; Courtney (Matthew) Cowley (Durham) of Pearland, TX; Joshua Durham of Boston, MA; Olivia Sapp, Emmitt Sapp and Maisie Sapp of Pearland, TX. Step Grandchildren, Terrence Sroufe of Bradenton, FL; Patrick Sroufe of St. Clare Shores, MI. Great Grandchildren, Rilynn Cowley of Pearland, TX; Sean Flowers and Riley Flowers of Metamora, OH. Step Great Grandchildren, Leah Sroufe and Desirae Sroufe of Bradenton, FL and many beloved nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, friends and extended family.