Durand Courtney

Durand R. Courtney, 52, of rural Avilla, passed away at 11:50 a.m. on Friday, May 13, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Mr. Courtney was born on September 15, 1963 in Valparaiso, a son of Rudy and Barbara (Redden) Courtney. He spent his formative years in Chesterton, and graduated from Chesterton High School in 1981. On February 14, 1985 he was married to Barbara Griffin, and moved from Chesterton to Avilla. He was employed at Frontier Communication. Mr. Courtney attended Sugar Grove Church of God. His spouse preceded him in death on May 24, 2015. The surviving relatives include his son, Karsten Courtney of Avilla; his father, Rudy Courtney of Mayfield, KY;and by two brothers, David L. (Wendy) Courtney of Chesterton and Danny Courtney of Portage. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his mother Barbara (Redden) Courtney; Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Sugar Grove Church of God, with Pastor Timothy Grable, officiating. The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, or one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date. For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Karsten's Education Fund. To leave an online condolence for the family or to order flowers, log on to www.sheetsandchilds.net or Facebook