Robert E. Durkee

Lt. Col. Robert E. Durkee (Ret., US Army), passed away peacefully on April 29, 2014. He was born on June 28, 1927 in Rutland, Vermont to the late Alfred A. and Oretha B. Durkee. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother, Alfred A. Durkee, Jr., and son, Theodore A. Brown. Bob led a full and happy life. He dedicated himself to his family and friends, never giving them any doubt that they were loved and precious to him. He was kind and generous with all who knew him, sharing his many talents, experiences, and life stories; he will be greatly missed by all. Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Jane J. Durkee; sons, Robert A. Durkee, Richard E. Durkee (Cynthia), and Steven L. Brown; daughter, Patricia D. Johnson; grandchildren, Theodore Brown, Brittany L. Johnson, Matthew R. Durkee, Tyler D. Brown, and Ian M. Durkee; sister, Marion D. Stillman; and many other relatives and lifelong friends to cherish his memory. Bob began his distinguished career at the age of 18 when he was drafted into the US Army. He completed basic training at Camp Croft, SC and served from Aug. 1945 to Mar. 1947. He returned to his home state of Vermont to attend the University of Vermont. He was called into active duty after graduation in 1951 as a Lieutenant of Infantry and served at various installations in the Continental United States, Korea, and Taiwan throughout his military career and retired as a Lt. Colonel in Oct. 1969. Bob continued his career in the US Civil Service for the next 20 years serving at various military installations until retiring in Dec. 1989, at Ft. Monroe, VA, after more than 43 years of combined Federal service. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, May 5, 2014 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 6, at the funeral home. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolences with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia.