W. Durell Kinghorn

W. Durell Kinghorn, 80 of Ririe, ID passed away peacefully at home June 6, 2016. Durell was born in Lewisville, ID on October 3, 1935 to the late Wilmer C. and Edith Kinghorn. He grew up in Rigby, ID and graduated from Rigby High School in 1953. Durell was married for 57 years to his first wife, Joy F. Kinghorn who passed away in 2013. He is survived by his second wife, Mary R. Kinghorn. Durell spent the majority of his early career working in the aerospace industry working with General Electric and Westinghouse on missile guidance systems. He later went on to earn bachelor and master degrees from the University of Montana where he worked as the chief engineer for the Radio/Television department. After earning his master’s degree, he decided to pursue his PhD and moved his family to Athens, OH to attend Ohio University. After earning his PhD, he moved to Laie, HI to teach at Brigham Young University-Hawaii Campus. He and his first wife were advisors to the Singapore/Malaysia Club where they mentored many of their students. He was beloved by his students and has continued to keep many of those relationships over the years. He retired from teaching in 1988. He was a life-long learner and had a strong interest in education – both for himself and others, especially his children and grandchildren. He was actively involved in many hobbies and interests throughout his life, most notably ham radio, repairing/restoring old tractors and family history work. In his early years he sang in barbershop quartets which instilled in him a love of music. After retiring, he and Joy fulfilled a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the Cebu Philippines Mission (a highlight of his life). Durell served in many callings in church throughout his life. One of the most fulfilling however was working in the family history center. Durell is survived by seven children, Curtis (Audrey), Oceanside, CA; Craig (Julie), Bonita, CA; Laurel (Dave) Ransom, Vincent, OH; Paul (Jennifer), Cedar Falls, IA; Diane (Rich) Thornock, Missoula, MT; Kevin (Sandi), Tucson, AZ; and Michael (Andie), Rigby, ID. He is also survived by 38 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. A viewing for immediate family members only will be held Friday, June 10, 2016 at Eckersell Funeral Home, Rigby, ID. The funeral service will be held at the Ririe Stake Center, Ririe, ID on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Lewisville Cemetery.