Melvin Stanley "Doc" Durham

Melvin Stanley Durham was one of nine children born to Charles Edward and Florence Gertrude (Newell) Durham, on March 20, 1939, in Crocker, Missouri, and passed away Friday, July 22, 2022, at his home in Richland, Missouri, having attained the age of eighty-three. “Doc,” as his friends called him, began his lifelong career as a young man at Ozark Fisheries in the early fifties and was mentored by Roy Nakashima. Doc poured his heart and soul into raising fish for nearly sixty years and enjoyed going to work every day. After Doc retired, he longed for the days gone by, and the friendships he made while working there. Stanley married Sharon Luttrell and to this union a beautiful baby girl Cindy Ann was born bringing immense joy to their lives. Doc was later married Audrey Lea (Oursbourn) Hooker on July 16, 1982. The two were inseparable as they enjoyed life, their families, and home, during their thirty- eight years of marriage together before Audrey’s passing on July 14, 2021. Doc’s heart broke the day he had to say goodbye to the love of his life. Family and friends meant the world to Doc. He always looked forward to each visit. His hobbies included collecting pocketknives, deer hunting, coon hunting and had plenty of stories to tell about all. He took immense pride in keeping a beautifully mowed yard. Doc is survived by his daughter, Cindy Zeigenbein of Richland, MO; niece, Kim, also known as “Farrah” Durham of Lebanon, MO, who was like a daughter to Doc; stepchildren: Ricky Hooker (Jane) of Auxvasse, MO, Stephen Hooker of Richland, MO, Sandy Botello (Mike) of Camdenton, MO, and Paul Hooker (Patty ) of Richland, MO; one sister: Beverly Sue Luttrell of Camdenton, MO; grandchildren: Christian Zeigenbein, Justin Gage (Cadri), Ashley Waterman (Brandon), Jarrod Hooker (Kimberleigh), Jamie Reid, Jennifer Gum (Randy), Seth Hooker (Sarah), Sam Hooker (Cassa); 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edward, and Florence Gertrude (Newell) Durham, beloved wife, Audrey Lea (Oursbourn) Durham, three brothers, Jim Durham “Droop,” Cecil Durham, and Robert Durham, and four sisters, Dola Mae Barton, Mildred McCombs, Imogene Nivens, and Edith Beal. Doc was a simple man never needing or wanting much in life but the love of his wife and family he adored. He was blessed to have both. Doc will always be remembered through the wonderful stories kept alive by those he loved, and they who loved him. Services were held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 28, 2022, in the the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. Recorded music “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” “Amazing Grace,” and “I Love To Tell The Story” were played. Serving as escorts were Richard Allen, Adam Oursbourn, Larry Baranowski, Barry Oursbourn, Mac Myers, and Dave Prebble. Honorary escorts included Christian Zeigenbein, Marion Light, Jim Bentch, and Estel Becker. Burial followed in the Wet Glaize Camp Cemetery, near Stoutland, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Melvin Stanley “DOC” Durham and mailed to Claws and Paws, 18705 Gateway Road, Lebanon, Missouri 65536, or may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences may be left at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Melvin Stanley "Doc" Durham

March 20, 1939 - July 22, 2022