Thomas Ray "Thom" Duran

Thomas Ray Duran was born in Colorado Springs, CO on September 5th, 1952 to Isabel and John Duran. He was the youngest of 16 kids. He moved to San Jose, California as a young teenager and graduated from Overfelt High School. After high school he joined the United States Navy. After serving in the Navy, he fathered 3 children. He had a long career in automotive sales that caused him to travel frequently which ultimately lead him to meet his wife in Houston, TX. Shortly after, they moved to Gardendale, AL where they resided there for 26 years.

While in Gardendale Thom was an active member of the community, heading up charitable fundraisers such as Katie’s kids and Birdies and Bogies for Bread. Raising money for Cystic Fibrosis and feeding the homeless. In retirement, he later started a food truck that was a staple in the community—called Two Fat Men Catering. His passion was always cooking and entertaining for others, was always first to jump on the mic for a quick rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”. He will always be remembered as someone that was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and having a door that was always open.

Thom is survived by his wife Lou Ann Duran and three children: Desiree Duran , Thomas Duran [Hannah], Amanda Tracy [Adam], one step-son ,Josh Davis [Brittney], and seven Grandchildren (Alyssa, Zackary, Ayden, Jase, Alex, Tyler, Ethan). Four siblings Danny Duran, Jimmy Duran, Margaret Moore and Mary Duran. He was greatly loved and will be missed by all. He is now resting peacefully in Heaven.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at:

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gardendale, Al (2456 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale. Al 35071)

May 1st from 2-4pm.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to be made to Curehht.org to fund further research for HHT a cause near and dear to Thom’s heart.