Hazel Irene Durbin (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Hazel Irene Durbin, daughter of Issac and Vesta McCubbins Akey, was born June 17, 1921, near Conway, Missouri. She departed this life Monday, June 2, 2014, in Christian Health and Rehabilitation Center North, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-two years, eleven months, and fifteen days.
On July 27, 1940, she was united in marriage to Phillip Eugene Durbin, and to this union one daughter and one son were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene, February 18, 2007; and a brother, Paul Akey.
Irene is survived by a daughter, Donna Bangs, and her husband, Bob, of Lebanon, Missouri; a son, Robert Durbin, and his wife, Camilla, of Nixa, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Trina, Tricia, Robert, Jr., Dexter, Mindy, Adrienne, and Abigail; eighteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in the Conway community, and graduated from Conway High School. After she and Gene were married, they made their home in Lebanon and lovingly raised their family. In 1964, Irene and Gene purchased the Dairy Joy in Lebanon, and operated Durbin’s Dairy Joy until selling the business in 1972. For a few years, Irene and Gene operated McVay’s Grocery Store, Gas Station and Cabins before starting Durbin’s Store, Gas Station and Campground on their property near Bennett Springs. In 1975, they sold their campground and retired into Lebanon. Throughout the years, Irene was also a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, and later worked at Larry’s Sporting Goods for three years.
Irene made her profession of faith in Christ early in her life and was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church in Lebanon.
She loved playing the piano, attending auctions, and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. She was always willing to help others and to share what she had. She was very friendly and never met a stranger. Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed her grandchildren and liked trying to keep up with them.
Irene was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her lifetime.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Conway Senior Citizens Center, and left at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Hazel Irene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Hazel Irene?
Share a story where Hazel Irene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Hazel Irene you’ll never forget.
How did Hazel Irene make you smile?
