L. Patrick Durham

L. Patrick Durham, 82, formerly of Fayetteville, entered into eternal rest Friday morning, December 9, 2011 at the home of his daughter in Chambersburg. Born June 13, 1929 in Detroit, MI, he was a son of the late Ledson and Mildred Helferstay Durham. Pat served in the US Navy, retiring after twenty years of service. Following his military career, he earned a Master’s Degree from Shippensburg University and went on to teach sixth grade for ten years at the Chambersburg Area Middle School and then for twelve years in Brevard County Florida schools prior to his retirement. He was a member of Heidelburg Church in Marion and held membership in George Washington Lodge #143 F & AM where he was named Mason of the year for 2011, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #842, Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW, Detrich-Brechbill Post 612 American Legion, and the Tristate Submarine Veterans Group where he was inducted into the Holland Club. An amateur radio operator he was a member of the Ham Radio Rooster Club. Pat enjoyed spending time with his family. His hobbies throughout his life included golf, softball, and horseshoes. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Naomi Catherine Frey Durham on April 10, 1982 and his second wife, Gladys Suzanne Stuckey Durham, on July 12, 2011.

Pat is survived by four children, Cindy L. Mason and husband Jon of Chambersburg, Amy K. Lehman and companion Fred Shew of New Franklin, Patrick L. Durham of Chambersburg, and Ellen Jo Henry and husband Rich, of Chambersburg; eleven grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two step-sons, David Fry of Mahanoy City and Daniel L. and wife Kristy Fry of Waynesboro. He was preceded in death by his sister, Christine Hoover.

A Masonic service will be conducted by members of George Washington Lodge #143 F & AM at 5:30 PM Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Following the Masonic service the family will receive friends at the funeral home until 9:00 PM. Private interment with military honors by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Marion, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to George Washington Lodge #143 F & AM, 3703 Pampas Circle, or to Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, both in Chambersburg, PA 17202.