Randy Durst

Randolph Alan Durst began his last great adventure on November 15, 2022. He loved God, his family, tractors, and exploring. We are heartbroken by his departure but anticipate a fantastic reunion someday.

Randy was born April 22, 1956, at 3:52 pm in Garnett, KS. He was the first child born to Clyde and Holly Durst, later becoming a big brother to Linda, Timothy, and Steve.

Growing up in Kansas, Randy developed a strong love for farming and the ability to solve problems and fix just about anything. His childhood greatly contributed to him becoming a true jack of all trades. Eventually the Durst family moved into the Texas Panhandle. Randy met and married his first wife in 1974, the same year he graduated from high school. In December of that year, his first daughter, Daneen, was born.

Randy worked hard his whole life to support his family. He was a farm hand, hauled hay, cut and sold firewood, and eventually became a widely respected welder. In 1981, his second daughter, Marissa, was born. That year, the family moved into the house at 1309 Euclid. Two years later, during a January blizzard, Randy’s son, Luke, was born. It was around this time that Randy began his career with the carbon black plant in Borger, TX.

Over the years, Randy worked his shift at the carbon black plant, testing quality in the lab, supervising production on Unit B4, and when he finished there, he went to work welding. When Randy retired after over 30 years, he was working in the Co-Gen unit producing electricity. He was proud of the work he did and could explain the ins and outs of black production and what it was used for. His welding led him to different places around Panhandle, welding for the city and various farmers. Many gates and fences for area farms boast Randy’s welding mark. He enjoyed being able to drive past a place and say he built that.

In his later years, Randy built a strong faith in the Lord. In 2007, he met his greatest love and sought her out at Home Depot, buying the same medicine cabinet three times just so he could see her again. Randy and Patty Eades married on November 16, 2008. They spent fourteen years having great adventures, recently returning from Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina. One of Randy’s favorite things on this trip was visiting Mayberry and Graceland. He was ready to head south for the winter. When he and Patty were in town, Randy enjoyed helping with harvest and the cattle.

When he was home, Pooh never missed any of his grandkid’s activities. He was their biggest fan, from band to choir to plays to football to basketball, he loved it all. Early on, Pooh bribed the grands with suckers before they could even talk. From there, they each came to expect a big hug and a good job from their Pooh.

Randy was always ready with a handshake and a hello for friends and strangers alike. He leaves a hole in the hearts of those waiting for a heavenly reunion.

He is survived by his wife of fourteen years, Patty; his parents: Clyde and Holly Durst of Independence, KS; his children: Daneen and Joe Velasquez of Amarillo, TX, Marissa and Jason Norsworthy of Amarillo, TX, Luke and Tori Durst of Panhandle, TX; his grandchildren: Braden, Michael, Landon, Lydia, Alexia, Meredith, Cooper, and Madeline; Todd and Sarah Eades, Matthew and Kaysha Eades, Emma and her mom Guilia, Jayden, Emmalyn, Kylen, Bryzlie, Taylee, Ayven; his siblings: Linda and Kenneth Farmer, Timothy and Samantha Durst, Steve and Lisa Durst; his nieces and nephews; and all those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at The River in Panhandle.  The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Panhandle.  Memorials can be made to The River in Panhandle.