Douglas G. Durbin

Douglas Gayle Durbin

February 23, 1937- August 8, 2023

Survived by wife, Patricia Pearey Durbin; children, Scott (Jodi) Durbin, and Jill (Paul) Bretsen; grandchildren: Lauren (Eugene) Malveaux, Alex (Sydney) Durbin, Nikki (Bryn) Finnefrock, Cameron (Miranda) Bretsen, Mallory Bretsen, Annette Bretsen; great-grandchildren: Elliana and Maverick Malveaux, Beckham Durbin, Rory Finnefrock; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Barbara Durbin; nephews, Brad (Trish) Durbin, Jason (Annie) Durbin.

Douglas Gayle Durbin was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Gaylord and Alvina Durbin.  He graduated from South High School in 1955, and attended the University of Nebraska Omaha.  On August 26, 1961, he married Patricia Pearey.  He worked for State Farm Insurance Company as a Multi-Line Claims Adjuster 1961-1965 and for the Harry A. Koch Insurance Agency, now FNIC, from 1965 to present.  Doug was a 30 year member of the Rotary Club of Omaha, served the University of Nebraska Omaha Alumni as President, and was Chairman of King of King’s Church Board of Directors. He and his wife have been members of Christ Community Church where he was involved in a small group bible study.  His final major accomplishment was that last year at age 85, he shot his age not once, but twice on the golf course (an 84 & 85).

Confirmation and life verse:

Proverbs 23:26:  My son give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.

Doug was man of deep faith, gentle words, and remarkable kindness. His top priority was his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who he loved unconditionally.  His purpose was to know, love, and follow Jesus and he did that until the moment of his passing.  His greatest joy was knowing that his family knows and loves Jesus.

He would want all to remember him to ponder these words:  “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.”

VISITATION: Friday, August 11, 2023, 2 p.m., with 3 p.m. MEMORIAL SERVICE at Christ Community Church, 404 S. 108th Ave, Omaha. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  To view a live broadcast of the Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LIVE CAST” button.

21 Comments

  • Katie Doble Posted August 9, 2023 5:50 pm

    Mrs. Durbin’s “dad” was one of the greatest influences in my life through his faith and love of family. I’m so grateful to have known him. And I take so much comfort in the heavenly reunion happening with my mom.

  • Ken Dick Posted August 9, 2023 7:04 pm

    Doug was a good friend and a faithful steward of God’s word. Loved him very much. He was a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him. God Speed.

  • Bob Swanda Posted August 10, 2023 5:17 am

    From all of us at Independent Roofing, our condolences go out to the family. Doug was not only a great business friend, but a good friend also. We will miss him.

  • Karen Cameron Posted August 10, 2023 6:44 am

    Pat, I am so sorry for your loss. These are difficult days but I know the Lord will see you through. May His peace and comfort surround you and your family as you navigate rough waters. Know that we will carry you in our prayers.
    Much love, Karen Cameron

  • Chris Smith Posted August 10, 2023 7:12 am

    Pat, my Heart and Prays go out to you and you family. I will miss Doug, but I know he is in a better place with Jesus Christ. Doug was an awesome mentor and supporter. We hit it off from the day I thanked him for the Welcome to The Harry A. Koch Co. note and card on my desk the first day I started 2/1/1995. May he rest in peace!

  • John and Cyndy Salzmann Posted August 10, 2023 7:29 am

    Knowing Doug through Church and BSF for many years has been a blessing in our lives. Thanks to God for a life well lived in His service. Our love to Pat.

    • Joseph L Collins,Jr. Posted August 10, 2023 8:36 am

      Amen!!!

  • Dennis Kosmicki Posted August 10, 2023 8:10 am

    Scott, Jodi, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. What a comfort to know he’s with the Lord.

  • Karen Lovejoy Posted August 10, 2023 9:07 am

    Dear Pat and family, I am so sorry to read of your loss of precious Doug. My heart goes out to you. Our prayers are with you!!!

  • Larry Johnson Posted August 10, 2023 10:09 am

    I worked with Doug only a short while at Koch. A true professional and always a gentleman. Rest in Peace professor!

  • Dawn Rosenberg Posted August 10, 2023 10:28 am

    My heart goes out to the family and all of his many friends and co-workers. A kind man that I unfortunately did not get to know as well as I’m sure I would have enjoyed. The few times I did speak with him, he was very thoughtful. Peace to all.

  • Craig and Jill Ones Posted August 10, 2023 12:50 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss, Pat. You were blessed with a wise and gentle man. He will be so missed. Hugs!

  • KAREN AND DON METZGER Posted August 10, 2023 1:33 pm

    We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I worked with him for many years and he was always such a kind and caring person. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of your family. God Bless.

  • RON AND KATHY TAYLOR Posted August 10, 2023 5:22 pm

    It has been such a pleasure knowing Doug in our community group and being blessed by his wisdom and kindness. What a true gentleman with strong faith in Jesus. He will surely be missed a lot. Our condolences and love to you, Pat, and your family.

  • Judi Jarecki Posted August 11, 2023 2:59 pm

    We worked with Doug while he was with Koch and he is one of the few that I remember. He was so full of love and peace that we took it personally, and he was kind and caring. May he rest in peace.

  • Teresa Baumbach Posted August 11, 2023 3:00 pm

    Pat, we love you and we grieve with you. Both you & Doug blessed us in so many ways. I will continue to pray for God’s comfort and peace and strength as you move forward without Doug by your side. Sending a long-distance hug.

  • Al Hartman Posted August 11, 2023 8:04 pm

    Pat, Scott and Jill, I am really sorry but fortunate enough to have known and been related to Doug. The memorial today was awesome and I cried and laughed numerous times, the best part was it was all true. You have an amazing family and I am so proud to know you all. Take care and I wish nothing but the best for all of you!

  • Lloyd Dowding Posted August 12, 2023 8:26 pm

    I knew Doug for many years, we had lunch last month and enjoyed each other greatly. He was a wonderful person and friend. May God bless his soul, and praise his family.

  • Tim McIvor Posted August 14, 2023 9:11 am

    I knew Doug for many years through Bible Study Fellowship. He was a fine Christian gentleman and one of the kindest people I know. I thank God for Doug and I pray for peace for the family.

  • ken dietz Posted August 14, 2023 11:45 pm

    Doug was a wonderful person. A good friend and a kind person. I thank GOD for letting me know Him
    He will be missed by all of us.

  • Donna Meisinger & family Posted August 17, 2023 11:44 am

    So sorry to see Doug’s obituary in paper last week. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Pat, Scott, Jill & families. Our God will give you an amazing heavenly reunion in His time. We always enjoyed your family. Remembering Devin & Jill being confirmed together as well as attending Meadows Elementary when you lived in our neighborhood.
    God’s Peace, Donna Meisinger

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