Ronald "Corky" Durbin's Obituary
Ronald Reid “Corky” Durbin was born on April 12, 1927 in Moline, Kansas to Jack W. and Edith “Lynam” Durbin. Corky attended school in Moline.
On September 9, 1944 Ronald was united in marriage to Ella Mae Murphy in Wichita, Kansas. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Marine Corps and served our country for 16 months and was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. Ronald and Ella Mae had 4 children; Sharon Lee, Ronald Reid Jr., Deanna Sue and Nancy Jolene.
Ronald returned to Moline and worked with his father in ranching and the farming business. Part of his job was milking cows at the south end of Main Street. Later he owned and operated the gas station in west Moline. In the late 1950’s, Ronald sold the gas station, he then started a propane and butane gas business. During this time he also owned and operated several oil leases, many in joint venture with other local businessmen. In 1964, he sold the propane business and concentrated his efforts on oil production and ranching. In the early 1990’s, he was instrumental in promoting and initiating the Durbin Rock Quarry east of Moline.
Ronald was a charter member of American Legion Post 388. He served a Sergeant at Arms, Adjutant and 2 terms as Commander. He conducted well over 100 military graveside services. Corky was a true patriot.
Ronald was elected mayor of Moline for 2 terms. He served as municipal judge, school board member, member of the Watershed Dam Committee. He also served as Vice President of the Moline Rodeo Association for many years. He was an active member of the Moline Flying Club and a member of the Moline HS Alumni Association.
Ronald was preceded in death in 2007 by Ella Mae, his beloved wife of 63 years; his parents and his brothers Gene Durbin and Jack Durbin.
Ronald is survived by his children: Sharon Patteson and husband Tom, Reid Durbin and wife Neta, Deanna Cannon and husband Bill, all of Moline and Nancy Liebau and husband Ken of Grenola. Grandchildren: Cathy Landregan, Wade Patteson, Ronald Reid Durbin III, Denise Spatafore, Robert Durbin, Kristina Pugh, Bill Cannon, Judd Liebau, and Jake Liebau. 20 great-grandchildren, as well as, many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday April 17, 2015, 1:00 p.m. at the Moline United Methodist Church in Moline with burial to follow at Moline Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, KS. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to the Moline United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 388 or Twilight Manor in Howard and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services are entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 206 E. Washington, P.O. Box 1233, Howard, Kansas 67349.
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