James “Buster” Amber Shirl Durden

Posted on January 11, 2018

James “Buster” Amber Shirl Durden, 89, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Jan. 9, 2018, at his home in Perry. Buster was born June 1, 1928, in Boyd, to Jessie James Durden and Annie Bell Hood Durden.

He completed the 7th grade in school, but was later given an honorary diploma from the Taylor County School Board during a ceremony for veterans that left early to serve during WWII. The ceremony was held at the Taylor County High School. Buster honorably served our country in the United States Navy in WWII and Korea. He was the former owner and operator of Southside Paint and Body and Busters Stump Grinding in Perry. He also worked in construction for many years in Taylor County. He was of the Christian faith and was a member of God’s House of Prayer. Buster was a member of the Perry Masonic Lodge #123, Marzuq Shrine Temple, Perry Shrine Club, Am-Vets of Perry, the “Old Geezers Club” and a lifetime member of the NRA.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife of 51 years, Frances Durden; and a son, Michael Durden.

He is survived by: four daughters, Marianne Van-Durden, Carolyn Rizotta, Victoria Ford, all of California and Michelle Durden Baron, of Perry; two sons, Kevin “Bubba” Durden, of Perry, and David Elton Durden, of Frostproof; one sister, Carolyn Williams; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at the graveside at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, in Woodlawn Cemetery. There will be a gathering for family and friends prior to the service at Burns Funeral Home beginning at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on today (Wednesday) Jan. 10, at Burns Funeral Home of Perry. All arrangements are under the care of Burns Funeral Home of Perry.

Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com