Joe Durand

Joe Davis Durand, age 87, peacefully passed away, on February 26, 2019, at home in the loving arms of his wife and surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Joe was born to Raymond and Earle Durand on July 1, 1931 in Dexter, New Mexico. He loved to share that he had never lived more than a mile from where he was born in 87 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Earle Durand; sister, Earlene D. Smith and brother, George Raymond.

Joe married the love of his life, Martha Ballweg, on January 7, 1961 in Arlington, Texas and they were happily married for 58 wonderful years. They have two children, Michelle Durand Runyan of Garland, Texas and Roger Joseph Durand who preceded Joe in death four days prior who is survived by his wife, Sherry Parriera Durand of Dexter.

Joe and Martha also have four grandchildren. They are Taylor and Tim Durand of Dexter, Ashley Runyan of Barcelona, Spain and Alysia Runyan of Garland, Texas; three great grandchildren-Jayden Davis, Tristan and Benjamin Runyan of Garland. He also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces and others who fondly called him Uncle Joe, along with countless other family and friends who were blessed to know him.

He was a graduate of Dexter High School Class of 1950 and served in the National Guard in the early 50's. He was a farmer who farmed the family farm with his son and also was a retired Rural Mail Carrier for the United States Postal Service after 25 years of service through rain, shine, and New Mexico dust storms. He was a proud member of the First Presbyterian Church and took pride in being one of its oldest members. Joe coached Little League baseball and served as president for one year. He was proud to be a member of the Dexter Volunteer Fire Department for many years and served as the Fire Chief for two of those years. He was a member of the Soil Conservation Service for six years and a member of the Farm Home Administration for four years. Joe served as president of the Joy Center Board for three years and was on the Dexter City Council from 1966-1978. He was Mayor of Dexter for two years serving as Mayor pro-tem. Some of his fondest memories involved playing poker on snow days, spending time at Latimer's Barber Shop, and getting into innocent mischief with his many friends. Joe loved playing dominoes, watching sports with his son and grandsons, grocery shopping with daily trips to Albertsons, harvesting and sharing his pecans and remembering the good ole days.

Joe touched the lives of many people with his smile, generosity, and kindness. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 10:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Dexter, followed by burial at South Park Cemetery. There will be a 9:00 am viewing, visitation, coffee and pastries in the Fellowship Hall.

Pallbearers include his grandsons-Taylor and Tim Durand, great nephew-Dustin Belyeu, Sterling Garnett, Michael McGee, Aaron Bogle, Josue Luna, and Justin Boswell. Honorary pallbearers are nephews-Jim and Tom Ballweg, nephew-Tony Bradley, Joe Nelson, Chester Cunningham, Sammy Price, Stuart and Donald Bogle, Chief Luna, Mitch Daubert, Don Burden and the entire Reid boy clan.

Visitation

First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
201 5th St.
Dexter, NM  88230
Saturday, March 2, 2019
9:00 am

Service

First Presbyterian Church of Dexter
201 West 5th Street
Dexter, NM  88232
Saturday, February 2, 2019
10:00 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203