Thomas A. Durfee, 82 of Girard, went to be with his Lord on Monday, March 29, 2021 peacefully at his residence.
He was born June 25, 1938 at his family’s home in Blooming Valley, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Otis C. and Katherine M. (Bowes) Durfee Sr.
Tom graduated from the Randolph East Mead High School in Townville, Pennsylvania. Following high school, he began employment as a Machine Operator at Zurn Industries in Erie. He later went to work for Copes- Vulcan Inc. (now SPX Corp) on 26th St. in Erie and continued employment there when they moved the plant to Lake City. There he eventually became a Journeyman Millwright and retired from there in Machinery Repair in 2000.
He attended the Girard Alliance Church, where he was active as an usher. He was also very active at the Peniel Holiness Camp in Conneautville, where he was trustee, superintendent of the grounds, head usher, publicity chair, 1st vice president, and honorary officer.
Thomas enjoyed building and fixing things; his brothers affectionately referred to him as “Tommy Tinker.” He also enjoyed singing hymns, riding his bike, and spending time with family. His love for the Lord was a source of inspiration for everyone who met him and led him throughout his life, meeting new people and sharing the gospel along the way.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Otis C. “Bud” Durfee Jr. and Rev. John B. Durfee.
He will be greatly missed by his family, which include his wife of 61 years, Carol S. (Hartman) Durfee, whom he married March 19, 1960; his daughter, Sue C. Stafford (Gary); sons, Scott T. Durfee (Kendra), Shawn A. Durfee (Christy); a sister, Mary Lou Gurnee (Jim); two brothers, David L. Durfee Sr. (Anja) and Mark O. Durfee (Rosemary); two sisters-in-law Delores Durfee and Margaret Durfee Adams; his grandchildren, Rachel Pyles (John), Christina Stowers (Aaron), Caryn Stafford, Garry Stafford, Karisa King, Kyler Durfee, Alec Durfee and Emmalene Durfee; great grandchildren, Benjamin Pyles, Lucas Pyles, Matthew Stowers, Eva Stowers, Jedidiah King, Kaleb King and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the Girard Alliance Church, 229 Rice Ave., Girard and are invited to attend services there on Tuesday at 10 am.
Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Peniel Holiness Association, C/O Jody McCue, 422 Garrett St., Kent, OH 44240
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edder Funeral Home Inc., Girard.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Thomas A. Durfee, please visit our floral store.