David Durham

Opelousas - A Memorial service for David Roy Durham will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Christian Life Center Church in Opelousas, LA.  Rev. Benny Reppond will officiate the services.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of David Roy Durham of Opelousas, Louisiana known to many as "Dave", on Friday, June 25, 2021, at Opelousas General Health System at the age of 90.  He was born on March 6, 1931, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barbara Farrell Durham of Opelousas; son, Michael Durham and wife, Margie of Spicewood, Texas; stepson, Carlo "Joey" Moran, Jr. of Opelousas; grandson, Christopher Durham and wife, Morgan of Fort Worth, Texas; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Durham.  He was preceded in death by his parents, David Durham and Iona Mae Kees Durham; brother, Herman P. Durham; and sister, Ellen Estelle Rachel.

In Dave’s younger years, he learned the importance of working hard by holding a variety of jobs from local newspaper boy to working in a lumber yard.  Dave was awarded being a Captain in the United States Scrap Army for meritorious conduct in 1942.  After high school, Dave was in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War.  He was very patriotic and a proud member of the American Legion Post 334 of Port Barre.  After leaving the Air Force, Dave attended Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana to study accounting.  Next, Dave worked with his brother, Herman Durham providing accounting and tax services for several years.  Dave built his own accounting and tax firm providing services to local companies and families.  Dave was licensed as an IRS Enrolled Agent.  Together, Dave and wife, Barbara developed a very successful business in Harvey until they retired.  Since Dave had strong work values, he continued to work until age 77.

Dave had a variety of passions and hobbies over the years which all had the same core theme of “on the road again”.  Dave had a Harley Davison motorcycle that he loved to ride in his younger years.   He enjoyed the challenge of re-building and showing a variety of Volkswagen vehicles for many years.  Dave loved to go on motorhome road trips across the country with his wife Barbara and friends in which, two of his favorite destinations where NASCAR races and Nashville, Tennessee.  In Dave’s later years, he turned the highway vehicle keys in for a golf cart, scooter and riding lawn mower.  Dave’s favorite thing to do even up to days before he passed away was to cut the grass.  Riding on his lawnmower was Dave’s happy place.  Dave loved country music and was a big collector of country music memorabilia.

Dave always resided in the state of Louisiana of which most of his years were spent on the Westbank of New Orleans.  Later, Dave and his wife, Barbara moved to Opelousas to be closer to Barbara’s family.  Dave loved and cared for Barbara so much that he wanted her to be settled and close to her family in the event of his passing.  We all know now that Dave was a very wise man.

Dave has found peace in heaven and selected his star so we can see him every night with the rest of our loved ones in heaven that are with him now.  We are sure that Dave will find a great cloud vehicle so he can be “On the road again”.

A special thank you to Dr. Boagni and the ICU staff for your excellent compassionate care of Dave in his last couple of days at Opelousas General Health Hospital.

A Memorial Gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2021, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM in the Christian Life Center, 2892 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.