Garvin James Durrant

Garvin James Durrant, 81, of Rigby, died June 8, 2008, at his home after a battle with cancer. He was born February 13, 1927 in Ririe, Idaho to James Earl Durrant and Leah Agnes Park. He grew up in Ririe, where he married his high school sweetheart, PerLee Wheeler, in Ririe, Idaho on June 8, 1946. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls, LDS Temple. He moved the family to Rigby, Idaho. With his four children, Roee June Grigg (Darwin) of Idaho Falls, Diana Christine Meador (Gary) of Ft. Lauderdale Fl., Garvin Michael Durrant (Denny) of Casper Wy., and Theodore John Durrant (Rhonda) of Rigby. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and his sister LaNona Rae Blakely. Other survivors include his wife PerLee durrant of Rigby, his children, seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, his sister Ardith Mae Ritter, and brother Norlan Park Durrant. Garvin grew up and worked the dry farm between Ririe and Swan Valley through his early years and as a taxi driver in Idaho Falls during the winter. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served our country until April 12, 1946. Later he worked in the Sugar Beet Factory in Idaho Falls and then as a Parts Man at Ideal Implement farm machinery outlet. Garvin was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was a lifetime member of the N.R.A. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying camping, fishing, and hunting. His hobbies included woodworking, metal working, gunsmithing, and gardening. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby, 101 W. Main St., The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, and from 11:30 to 12:45 p.m., Thursday, both at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery with Military Rites by Jefferson Veterans Team. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Garvin James Memorial Fund at any Zions Bank.