Bridgewater, Vermont

William "Willie" R. Durkee, 88, died Friday August 14, 2020 at the Veterans Hospital in White River Jct., Vermont.

Willie was born on December 26, 1931 in Norwich, Vermont the son of Ralph Heman and Beatrice (Goodrich) Durkee.

Willie served in the US Army during the Korean conflict earning a Bronze Star. Shortly after returning from his duty to his country he married Jacqueline Teeter and they began their many years building and enjoying a family.

Willie was a talented and accomplished wood worker. He had the ability to construct a home or carve and build detailed figurines. He was also a talented mason, building a number of bomb shelters in the Hanover area. Willie also found time to drive school bus and be a volunteer fireman in Norwich. Willie enjoyed hard work and spent a number of years working side by side with his son Casey. However, Willie always found time to enjoy life and most importantly his family. Willie was able to attend sporting events to watch his children and grandchildren in between jobs and with his love of animals he found time to teach his daughter to ride and love horses.

As Willie's family grew to include grandchildren he continued to be "the life of the party" often enjoying a good game of cards or cribbage and even showing off flipping quarters. Willie also loved animals especially his dog Echo. He was well known for his sense of humor and his willingness to always lend a helping hand. He will be missed by so many great friends and his loving family.

Willie is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Jacqueline, his two daughters, Deborah Durkee-Johnson and Melanie Durkee-McShinsky (Bruce), his son Casey W. Durkee (Catherine), 4 grandsons; Timothy (Danielle), Trent, Cameron, and Malcolm, 3 great granddaughters; Riley, Aliza, and Caris, and his 3 brothers; Roy, Howard, and Kenneth. He is predeceased by his parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

Those wishing, may make memorial donations to Patriot Guard Riders by visiting their website at www.patriotguard.org/donations/donate-to-the-pgr/ or by mailing a check payable to Patriot Guard Riders. (Please indicate that the donation is for "Patriot Guard Riders" on the memo line of your check and send it to Patriot Guard Riders, 6641 E. 85 ^th Street North, Owasso, OK 74055)

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Sat. Sept. 25th at 1:00pm in the Hillside Cemetery in Thetford, Vermont.