Anthony Francis “Tony” Durbin
February 16, 1944 — August 23, 2025
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Anthony Francis “Tony” Durbin, 81 of Taylorville, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in his home.
He was born on February 16, 1944, in Taylorville, the son of Clement and Kathryn (Kaplan) Durbin. On June 26, 1971, he married the love of his life, Norma Jean (Graham) Durbin at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville. Tony and Norma shared a beautiful life together and enjoyed 52 and a half blessed years of marriage. Norma passed away on February 9, 2024.
Tony graduated from St. Mary’s School in 1958 and from Taylorville High School in 1962. He attended the University of Missouri in Rolla from 1962 until 1966. He joined the United States Army on September 26, 1966, and served 2 years in Vietnam as a Sgt E5 with Company A of the 70th Engineers (1967-69).
In March of 1969, he left the service and went to work for the Illinois Department of Transportation in the Bureau of Construction. He retired from the State on August 1, 2002, after 32 years and 7 months.
He was a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and a life member of Amvets and VFW Post 4495 where he served in the honor guard and as Post Quartermaster for 16 years. As a result of his involvement, he earned notable recognitions with the VFW including honorary membership in the VFW Riders as well as an Appreciation Award.
He wrote a Quarterly newsletter for the VFW Post 4495. He won state and national awards for best newsletter. In the years following his time in the Army, he researched and found his Vietnam buddies from A Company. He held the first Vietnam reunion in 2008 and from that he developed a website with another Vietnam buddy. Then he began writing newsletters to keep everyone in touch. He was the glue that held all A Company members together.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he was active in many areas of the church, including leading the Rosary and serving as a Lector since 1972. As a child he was a mass server for the church. His involvement with the church, and dedication to the Country, got the ball rolling for a flag etiquette program for St Mary’s School.
In the late 70’s over 200 church members attended a grief lecture that was led by Tony involving a priest, doctor, and funeral director. This event turned out to be very successful.
He wrote a quarterly Class newsletter for the class of 1962, and it became so popular that he started writing for the classes of 60-65. It became so big with 900 + people he began a Quarterly newsletter called Neo-Pel-Mell for all the Classes including 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. He was part of a committee that organized class reunions and was a treasurer.
He loved genealogy and took pride in keeping the Durbin family tree up to date. He was also an active volunteer with the Christian County Historical Society.
Tony was known for his strong commitment to God, his kindness, honor, and goodness to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his dedication to teaching others, being a good listener, providing wisdom to those around him, and his witty personality.
He is survived by his children: son: Phillip Durbin (Christyl Crowe) of Taylorville; daughters: Elizabeth (Allen) Cravens of Paris and Sarah Durbin Chance of Taylorville; grandchildren: Blake Durbin (Emily Dancer), Michael Durbin (Ariel Dubay), Laina Durbin, Carter Chance (Ellie Spurgeon), Lily Chance, Clement Chance, Cale Chance, all of Taylorville and Chandra Cravens of Paris; a great grandchild to be, and Ezra Dancer, Lela Dancer, Ezreal Ishmael, Allana Barczy, Zaylee Barczy, and Dominic Cravens; sister: Mary Beth Kent of Taylorville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Norma; infant son: Michael Durbin; nephew: Christopher Chatham; and great nephew: David Chatham.
A funeral mass for Tony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. John Burnette officiating. The visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. Burial, with veteran’s honors, will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to VFW Post #4495, St. Mary’s Church, or St. Mary’s School. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.