Ernest M. Durnil Jr.'s Obituary
Decatur-Ernest M. 'Ernie' Durnil Jr., 92, of Decatur, passed away Monday, January 9, 2012 at Aspen Ridge.
Services to celebrate Ernie's life will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2012 at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church.
Ernie was born March 5, 1919 in Villa Grove, the son of Ernest Sr. and Carrie (Albritton) Durnil. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during W.W. II. Before enlisting in the Navy he was employed with A.E. Staley. Upon his return he worked with his in-laws Guy and Anna Bocock at the Uptown Café. Then, he owned/operated the Lakeside Dairy Bar with his wife, managed Sandy's Drive In, worked at PPG, and retired as maintenance supervisor with 1st National Bank. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church. Ernie enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, and working in his yard. He was an Illini fan. He married the love of his life Mildred O. Bocock March 31, 1940. She preceded him in death March 14, 2004.
He leaves behind his son Larry and wife Linda of Decatur, daughter Julie Deal and husband Brad of Springfield, grandchildren Brian Durnil of FL, Jolene Lugar and husband Gary of MN, Kristen Deal of Springfield, and Bradley Deal Jr. of Springfield, and great-grandchildren Brittany Durnil of VA, Carly Durnil of FL, Brynn Lugar of MN, and Kelsey Lugar of MN.
He was reunited in Heaven with his parents, wife, and brothers Dean and Dale.
The family would like to thank those dear friends who faithfully visited those last years even though the dementia stole their memory from him, especially Larry Hartman, Mary Shelton, and Bill and Patty Gross.
A sincere thank you is extended to the nurses and staff on the 5th floor of Aspen Ridge for their kind and patient care; it takes very special people to do what you do. Also a tremendous thank you to Dr. Richard Fritz for years and years of excellent healthcare.
The family of Ernest M. Durnil Jr. is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Ernest?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ernest?
Share a story where Ernest's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ernest you’ll never forget.
How did Ernest make you smile?