"Favorite memories would be sharing our love of music, (still play the cassettes you made), fishing on Mark Twain Lake and most of all Tom Sawyer days and being so tired at opening that we literally pushed ourselves off the wall and to the line. Wonderful kind and generous man. Will and Kate he loved you so. I think he was at his best and happiest being a dad and grandfather. God has a special place for you. Prayers for comfort during this time."
In loving memory of
John Duryea
March 27, 1947 - July 3, 2022
John Sherman Duryea, age 75, of Marco Island, Florida, and formerly of Quincy, died on July 3, 2022 at the Lake of the Ozarks.
John was born in Sheffield, Illinois on March 27, 1947 the son of Willis Henry and Sybilla Alice Jane (Walker) Duryea.
John attended the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Accounting. After school, John married his now ex-wife, LouAnn Bates, and worked in corporate America where his career lead him to Quincy, Illinois. In Quincy, he started his family having one son (William) and one daughter (Kathryn) who would become the center of his life.
In 1984, John left the corporate world and became an entrepreneur as a Taco Bell franchisee, and later a Steak n' Shake and KFC franchisee. Running restaurants was an all-consuming life passion. He greatly enjoyed the hard work and rewards of running a small business. More importantly he enjoyed the people. He loved every customer, and he especially loved all the employees.
In retirement, John enjoyed playing euchre with friends, fishing, and spending time in Florida and the Lake of the Ozarks. Later in life, he focused his efforts on passing his knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to the next generation, whether it was helping his children, grandchildren, or others. The last endeavor he accomplished was publishing his book. He wanted to see everyone succeed and would do anything to make that happen. And he was willing to do anything to help make that happen.
He was steadfast in his Christian faith, and entrepreneurship was an expression of that foundational belief. John was an expert at strategy, planning, and execution...so much so that he proclaimed he wanted to pass into the next world peacefully in the night without any impact to those he loved. He did exactly that on July 3, 2022. It was a beautiful exit.
John is survived by his son, William (Corinne) Duryea, and their two children Leni and Lucy; his daughter, Kathryn (Jared) Ogden, and their two children Wallace and Adeline; his sister Leslie (David) Alexander; and his two goldendoodles Tinker and Locky.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Sybilla, and his ex-wife LouAnn.
Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, July 11, 2022 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Services: 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Faith Presbyterian Church with Rev. Ron King officiating.
The Recording of Funeral Service of John Duryea will be live streamed on the Faith Presbyterian Church YouTube Channel using the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9imD6XVuK4
Burial: 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mississippi Valley Council Boy Scouts of America. Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"John and I were roommates for three years, (off and on) at the University of Illinois. We met at the Granada Club and were almost inseparable until I graduated in 1971 and during the time John joined the Guard. We studied, worked (selling tropical fish), and played hard, really hard! We had many adventures during those years, drank a LOT of beer, and played cards, (mostly Bridge). After graduation, we drifted apart while pursuing my flying career and John his business career. We reconnected often and shared family, friends, and medical challenges together. Just last week we agreed to spend more time together. We were "Bros" before "Bros" was a thing and I will miss him! Blue skies Bro! Hope you find your purple BF again!"
"I was fortunate enough to hunt pheasants with John. He also kicked my butt in euchre. He will be missed. The Duryea family is in our prayers. "
"I am so thankful to have known John. He taught me many valuable lessons over the years. I will always treasure our conversations and my memories of him. He leaves a legacy in his children and grandchildren that will live for generations. Praying for peace for his family and friends."
"John was a character and I enjoyed working with and for him. I am sorry to hear of his death. Our family will keep your family in our prayers this week. I am sorry that I will be unable to attend the funeral service, but please know that you will be in our thoughts. Sincerely, Mike & Kristine Bickhaus"
"I was fortunate to grow up with John as a friend. From the green apple wars to the University and around a kitchen table, he was one of the ?good guys? who made this world a better place. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Leslie and family, Candace & Weldon"
"I had many good years working for John at Taco Bell. My thoughts and prayers for all his family. May God bring peace and comfort to you in this time of grief."