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Edward Durree Obituary
PEORIA - Edward R. Durree, 66, of Peoria passed away at 5:12 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria after an ongoing fight with cancer, surrounded by his loving family, including his two children, two sisters, his ex-wife, best friends and his beloved dog, Cloe.
Ed was born on June 2, 1949, in Streator, Ill., to John Reynold and Gladys Lucille (Birtwell) Durree.
Surviving are his two children, Sara Elizabeth Durree and Benjamin Ray (Kristina) Durree, both of Peoria; one grandchild; and his two sisters, Rebecca Manigold and Jane Briner. Also surviving are his cherished nieces and nephews, whom he loved very much.
Ed graduated from Streator Township High School as a prominent athlete and excelling academic. His time at school was surmised by a close friend as, "a good athlete and a good kid." Following high school, he excelled and graduated from the University of Illinois with honors in 1971. He attended and graduated from law school at Drake University with honors in 1975.
Ed joined the Peoria law firm of Strodel & Kingery, Association, in 1975, and became a partner in the firm of Strodel, Kingery & Durree, Association in 1978. He continued to practice civil litigation, including personal injury and medical malpractice litigation, in Peoria with the firm of Kingery, Durree, Wakeman & O'Donnell, Association until his death.
He was a member of the Peoria County and Illinois State bar associations, American College of Trial Lawyers, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, American Inns of Court, Abraham Lincoln Chapter (Master Emeritus) and the Drake Law Review (1973-1975) where he authored "Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 8: Recent Developments." He was president of the Peoria County Bar Association from 1994 to 1995 and enjoyed many years of a successful practice and representation in several high profile and pioneering cases.
Ed will be best remembered as a loving father, a fanatical Illinois football and basketball fan, avid fisherman, keen historian and a selfless friend to many.
Throughout his life, Ed prided himself on his global travels and, even toward the later stages of his illness, travelled to Sydney, Australia, to spend Christmas and ring in the New Year with his daughter.
A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 30, 2016, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Pastor Stephen Barch will officiate. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of service today at the mortuary. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.
Memorials may be made to PAWS.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightand salmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Durree
Sponsored by Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria.
Dorian Lasaine
January 23, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Joe Maier
January 23, 2021
Hey Durree kids. I think of your dad often. What a great guy! I will never forget our Champaign trip!
Peggy Zibert
January 23, 2021
Still can’t believe he’s gone. Wish I would’ve known he was fighting cancer. He was my friend.
Peggy Zibert
January 23, 2020
Four years later I still cant believe hes gone. He was my client and my friend. I think of him often. I pray that all is well with his children. He adored them both.
Dorian Lasaine
January 23, 2020
Ed was practical and easy to have a legal matter with. He always respected his opponent's client and tried to see their point of view. A real class attorney.
Christine Test Johnson
February 2, 2016
Ben I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you in this sad time. There is nothing to say to make it easier. May he Rest in Peace
With much love ❤
Joe Maier
February 1, 2016
Sara and Ben, I was saddened to learn of your dad's passing. If not for you, Sara, I would not even have known your dad. He and I shared intensity and passion on at least two things: his kids' success and the Illini. In fact, we spent one cold, windy January afternoon on Main Street as we froze discussing just those two topics. And who could forget the van ride to Champaign for Illini basketball, pre-game at Legends, and Ben's Bucknell t-shirt, As you know, he wanted nothing but the best for you both. I will miss him. You have my deepest sympathies.
February 1, 2016
My sympathies to Ed's family, especially his children. He adored you both and you brought so much joy to his life. Your Father was a talented and respected lawyer with a great sense of humor. He was beloved by many. The thoughts and prayers of many are with you. Diana Jagiella Thorbjornsen
Lynn KUNKLE
February 1, 2016
Sarah & Ben, my sympathies & prayers go out to you both in this time of sorrow but know your Dad would want you to celebrate his life and remember all the wonderful times you shared together.
From playing tennis with your Dad down the street or talking Iilini sports he was always very intense but when it came to the two of you he would just beam with pride & love!!
Live your lives to the fullest .
Lori Kingery
January 30, 2016
Sarah and Ben, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. Your Dad was an amazing man.
Martin Hevesy
January 30, 2016
Ed Sara and Ben,
You were like a second father to me. I can remember many many evenings in our backyard when we would be enjoying a glass of wine and some great conversation. Please enjoy another glass in heaven with Maria. You are truly one of the most intense people that I have ever met. You were not only intense and passionate about your long career in law but about the most important thing in your life, your kids. Sara and Ben had maybe the best, most caring and genuine fathers to ever live. I will honestly say that Ive never met someone who just radiated when I mentioned his kids, they were Eds life. Ed, thank you for making me in to a huge illini fan and for calling a spade a spade. You taught me a lot about how to be an adult and a professional. Ed, thank you for making this world a better place. You will never be forgotten my friend. Rest in Peace and go Illini!
Jane pound Hankins
January 30, 2016
Sorry to hear a bout Eddie..knew him very well in days of old. His sister Jane and I were good friends..great family. My prayers for the family.
Felicia Collins
January 30, 2016
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Ed's passing! My deepest sympathies to his family!
Janice Baumrucker Wachowski
January 29, 2016
Deepest sympathy to Ed's family. Jane & Becky, our families have a long history as your father was my dad's best friend. Loved our country folk! May God comfort your saddened hearts & give all of you the strength you may need in the days to follow.
January 29, 2016
Very sad to hear about Ed's death. I always enjoyed associating with Ed-discussing legal issues and news events. He was an excellent attorney and the community will miss him.
Dorian LaSaine
Carrie & Merlin Kiesewetter
January 29, 2016
Carrie and I are so sorry to see this! Our heart felt sympathy to family, friends, law partners, and law office staff. It was always a treat to enter the law office and wonder what Ed had to say to me.
Cathy Geier
January 29, 2016
Sarah and Ben - So very sorry for your loss. I worked for your dad for many years, and I know that the two of your were his pride and joy!
Jane Briner
January 29, 2016
I will miss my port in a storm. We counted on each other on many occasions to get through unpleasant situations. We also had many joyous occasions.
My brother may you finally rest in peace and be rewarded for your kindnesses and hard work. Love from your sister-Jane.
Sandi Hacker
January 29, 2016
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father, Sara & Ben. Your father was a very astute attorney and his contributions to the legal community of Peoria will be remembered for years to come.
Peggy Zibert
January 29, 2016
This makes me so very sad. Ed was a customer and a friend for many years. I really enjoyed being around him. He will be missed.
Peggy Zibert
Highlands Ranch Co
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