Joe Sidney Durant

Joe Sidney Durant, of Palestine, Texas, left this world for his home in Heaven on Saturday, the 2nd day of March 2024, at the age of 98.  He was born on the 24th day of March 1925 to parents Alexander Durant and Jane Peterson Durant. Mr. Durant was the pillar of strength and joy to his family.  His tenacious spirit and warm heart will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Durant was a proud World War II Veteran who served his country with honor and courage. After returning from the war, he dedicated his life to serving his community in Leon County, where he eventually retired as a respected county commissioner for Precinct 3. His commitment to public service did not wane with retirement; he continued to contribute to his community in Anderson County by delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, working at a local dairy, and operating equipment in Anderson County. Mr. Durant's work ethic was unparalleled, and his hands-on approach to life's challenges was an inspiration to many.

An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Durant's passion for hunting was a testament to his love for nature and adventure. He spent countless hours in the great outdoors, tracking deer, turkey, and especially racoons, which was his favorite. His love for dance was equally fervent, and it was on the dance floor that he met his beloved wife, Lois. Together, they shared a love for travel, exploring new places, and creating a lifetime of memories.

Mr. Durant's optimism and courage were the cornerstones of his character. He approached every situation with a positive outlook and a belief that anything could be overcome with a bit of ingenuity and hard work. His hands were skilled in more ways than one, always ready to fix what was broken or to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Jane Durant, as well as his brothers and sisters, Kinard Durant, Jess Durant, Marvin Durant, Ross Durant, Donnie Jeffcoat, Alice Durant, Tom Durant, Zettie Mae Colwell, and Ruby Foley. Mr. Durant leaves behind a legacy of love and perseverance. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lois Durant, his loving stepdaughters, Dawn Marie Egan, Laure Bruner, Camille Graham and Ann Doral Williams, stepson, John Graham, Sr.  He is also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who will carry forward his spirit of optimism and courage.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from four o’clock until six o’clock in the evening on Saturday, the 9th day of March 2024 at Rhone Funeral Home.

Funeral services to celebrate Mr. Joe Durant’s life are to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon, on Sunday, the 10th day of March 2024, in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Dan Rose officiating the service.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Palestine.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Leonard Egan, Michael Broussard, Matthew Conklin, Jon Graham, Sr., Jon Graham, Jr., Ken Bruner, Daniel Moreno, and Tabor Foley.

Funeral services for Joe Sidney Durant are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

Please visit Mr. Durant's online memorial tribute where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family, by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon below.

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