Harry R. Durbin

Harry R. Durbin, 65, of Mexico, died at 5:30 a.m., Monday, August 24, 2015, at Missouri Veterans' Home in Mexico.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at Pickering Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Smith officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Paris, MO.

He was born on June 11, 1950 in Mexico, the son of R. Gerald and Helen (Scobee) Durbin.

Harry was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War in 1970. He believed that he and another acquaintance were the last two people to be drafted in Monroe County. Harry served in the Army until 1972 working as a battalion mail clerk and was also trained in Army aircraft maintenance. Originally he had orders to go to Vietnam; however, his orders were changed to stay in Colorado after his superior was demoted and Harry was placed in charge of the battalion.

After his service, Harry operated bulldozers for six months and then worked for the feed store Callis Farm Service and Supply. He drove a truck for the feed store, delivering agriculture chemicals, specifically Brayton Chemicals. He also sprayed fertilizer for the customers of the store. He really enjoyed this job.

His life changed dramatically in 1976 after a car accident. He underwent physical rehab and after a period of time decided to go to the Missouri Veterans' Home.

Harry valued his family and felt so blessed to have so many family members and good friends. Family and friends were the most meaningful piece of his life.

Survivors include his sister Carolyn Hahn and husband Gary of Mexico; a niece Amanda Deimeke and husband Nick and their children Kaitlyn and Andrew all of Mexico, two nephews Wesley Hahn and wife Lacey of Columbia and Jay Hahn and Fiancé Dr. Kayla Crider of Jefferson City.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Missouri Veterans' Home. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

Expressions of sympathy may be given at pickeringfh.com