Richard "Red" Durnell

Richard Red Durnell, 92, came to the end of his life on earth while at home in Great Falls on April 13, 2016. His chains are gone, hes been set free.Red was born in Valier on August 27, 1923, to Tom and Florence (Starr) Durnell.Dad was a decorated World War II Army veteran, serving in both the European and Asian theatres. He forever carried his experience at Normandy on D-Day with him. Following his discharge, he moved back to Valier and after a brief courtship married Martha Sabins. This union lasted over 50 years, until mom passed away in 1997.Dad was a commercial albacore fisherman for 11 seasons based out of San Diego. During this time, he contracted with the Valier "public" Schools as a bus owner/operator serving students from Dupuyer to Valier for nearly 42 years. In 1964, dad and mom purchased the general store in Dupuyer, which they operated for 12 years before taking a management position at Cenex in Valier. He retired from Cenex in 1987, and they journeyed in their motorhome to Arizona as snowbirds for many years.Following moms death, he met Barb Jahraus who became his loving companion for 18 years. They spent many winters enjoying Arizona and Nevada and Barb became part of our family. Thank you Barb, for the love and care you gave Dad!Dads hobbies included motorcycles (he bought his first Harley in 1940), snowmobiles, being an airplane pilot, playing drums (with the C-Notes), camping with the family, and teaching many grandkids to ski behind his boat.He is survived by Barbara Jahraus of Great Falls; sons Mike (Deanna) Durnell of Valier and Tom (Tara) Durnell of Conrad; daughters Jan (Bob) Vogel of Helena and Debbie (Charlie) Fox of Missoula; grandchildren Jeff (Pattie) Durnell, Paul Durnell, Brett Durnell, Amber (Adam) Brown, Jennifer (Dave) Klemp, Mark Shellabarger, Michelle (Greg) Salisbury, Jeremy (Sarah) Fox, Chase Durnell, and Alison Durnell; fourteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by parents, Tom and Florence; brother Jerry Durnell; sisters Cecile Eppe and Tommye Eppe; wife Martha Durnell; and grandson Chad Durnell.At his request, family services will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.