Omagene Hopkins "Rusty" Durham

Omagene Hopkins "Rusty" Durham, age 88, a longtime resident of De Queen, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2014 in the De Queen Medical Center. Born January 4, 1926 in Walnut Springs, Arkansas, he was a son of the late Herbert Moss and Pearl Irene Beauchamp Durham. He grew up and received his education in De Queen. He was a 1944 graduate of De Queen High School. As a young man he joined the United States Marine Corp serving in the Pacific during World War II. Returning to Arkansas he attended Arkansas Tech University. He also served in the Korean War. For several years he traveled extensively with his job as a salesman for Myers Pumps. He later entered the world of politics and served as Sevier County judge for twelve years. He was also involved in other aspects of government including city council and quorum court. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Judy Shockley Durham; three brothers, Herbert Lyndon Durham, Lowell Edward Durham and Forney Manning Durham and one sister, Dixie Maurice Durham Smythe. Mr. Durham is survived by his twin sister, Imogene Margaret Durham of De Queen; one son, James Wade Durham of Hatfield; one step-daughter, Jamie Thompkins and husband Buddy of Pisgah Forest, North Carolina; one step-son, David Dobbs and wife Tammy of Cabot; one grandson, Devin Durham and step-grandson Dustin Skaggs both of Hatfield; his step-grandchildren Mathew and Jacque Thompkins and Justin, Lauren and Laney Dobbs of Cabot, several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Mr. Durham was a faithful member of De Queen First United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the De Queen Lions Club. He was an inventor and entrepreneur and an avid Leopard and Razorback fan. He was loved and respected by his family and many friends. A visitation will be held on Monday, December 1, 2014, from 5-7 p.m., at Wilkerson Funeral Home in De Queen. A private family service will be held at a later date. To honor Rusty Durham's memory his family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the memorial fund at De Queen First United Methodist Church, 424 West Heynecker, De Queen, Ark. 71832. You may register on-line at www.wilkersonfuneralhomes.com.