Final Salute

Danny Durkee Obituary

BUC Danny Ira Durkee, US Navy Seabee, Ret., age 69, passed away on April 27, 2020 in Gulfport Mississippi.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He loved his family and country.

Danny was born in Malone, NY to Ira and Ardith Durkee. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Dennis P. Durkee, and his sister Gail Jackson.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Solita Sanchez Durkee; his sons Daniel P. (Michelle) Durkee of Penns Creek, PA, Danny S. Durkee of Nashville, TN; his daughter Denise (Charles) Roberson of Theodore, AL; his grandchildren Darren (Jenna) Durkee, Dustin (Alissa) Durkee, Dereck Durkee, Riley Roberson, and Ryan Roberson; and two great grandchildren Jaxon and Aislyn. He is also survived by his siblings Diane (Roger) Anderson of Wolcott, NY, Dale Durkee of Churchville, NY, Pennie (Jim) Hutt of Maypearl, TX, and Pattie (Mark) Sauer of Corsicana, TX. He will also be missed by all his family and loved ones in the Philippines, that love him and will miss him so much.

BUC Durkee served our country in the US Navy Seabees for 24 years. He completed two boots-on-the-ground tours during the Vietnam War and participated in Operation Desert Storm.
After leaving the service, he worked for Yates Construction for 19 years. He was heavily involved in relief efforts associated with Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in both Mississippi and Louisiana.

His hobbies were traveling, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Most importantly, he had made his peace with God and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in Memory of BUC Danny I. Durkee. Donations may be made online or sent to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1235 S. Clark St., Ste. 910, Arlington, VA 22202.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, private family visitation and services will be held. The public is invited to watch the live stream of his graveside service on our website at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, April 30th. The link will be on his tribute page below his obituary.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Danny Ira Durkee, please visit our floral store.