WOODSFIELD, OHIO – Willard Franklin Durant, blessed father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with the Lord, May 20, 2005. He was born Oct. 10, 1921, in Woodsfield, Ohio. When he was 16 years old, during the depression, he joined the CCC’s and traveled to Utah to earn money by helping to build bridges. This “buckeye” found his way to his beloved Maine when he was stationed on Cadillac Mountain with the radar unit during World War II. He also found the love of his life, Muriel Addie Emerson, while there in Bar Harbor. His time in the Army/Air Force took him to Italy and North Africa to serve his country. He worked hard in the steel mills of Ohio and then in Maine he cut pulp wood, dug clams, raked blueberries and sold Watkins products door to door. He worked in Millie Brown’s store in Addison. He worked many years at the Red & White grocery store in Machias and then in the Eddie Foss clothing store in Baileyville. He last worked as a custodian at BMHI in Bangor. He was a people person and worked well with the public. He enjoyed everyday of his retirement and although he suffered from serious health issues, he didn’t let them keep him from staying busy repairing bicycles and lawn mowers, building rabbit pens, tending his lawn and flower beds, or caring for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His good spirit and generous nature leaves a legacy of precious memories to all who cared for him. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Muriel. His loving family includes two daughters, Wilma (Roy) Ireland and Nancy (Almon) Emerson; five grandchildren, Darren (Stephanie) Ireland and their children, Brandon and Connor; Scott (Amy) Ireland and their children, Carleigh and Delaney; Kim (Chuck) Giggey and their children, Brandon and Kassidy; Jason (Sarah) Emerson and children, Katy-lee, Miranda, Johnny, Jade and Midori; Kaylee Braley and her daughter, Ciera; brother-in-law, C. Plummer (Rose) Emerson; sisters-in-law, Josephine (Kelley) Rockwell, Patricia Crandon and her late husband, Joe; nieces, Sherrill (Jerry) Rowan and Mary Ethel Bassett. Sincere thanks to all his friends for their love and support, the excellent work of the Bangor Fire Department, the staff of EMMC for their tender care, and Sande Curtis FNP for her expert and loving care. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. May 28, at the Community of Christ Church, Pierce Road, Brewer. Contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Bangor.
WILLARD FRANKLIN DURANT
