Mr. Robert Edgar Durant

Robert “Bobby” Edgar DuRant, age 81, passed on April 30, 2014. Bobby was also known affectionately as “Paps” to family members and close friends. Born August 24, 1932 in Orlando, FL, Bobby graduated from Orlando High School in 1951. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1951 and served on the U.S.S. Coral Sea where he did a six month tour of the Mediterranean. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Navy Occupational Medal. Bobby married Annette Daniel of Jacksonville in 1954. They had three sons Robert, William and Ronnie. Together they successfully ran DuRant Fuel Oil Business in Orlando from 1955-1998. Robert was employed by the Orlando Fire Department as a Firefighter in September of 1955. He spent 26 illustrious years with the department and retired as Captain in January 1982. Upon retirement, Bobby and his wife, Annette, spent much time traveling the United States, particularly the mountains. They eventually settled in Mt. Plymouth, Florida in 1998 to be close to their grandchildren. Bobby was a fervent softball player, playing competitively on numerous championship teams, up until his 75th year. He was predeceased by sons, Robert DuRant and Ronnie DuRant. Bobby is survived by his faithful wife of 60 years, Annette Daniel DuRant, Son William DuRant and wife Lisa of Mt. Plymouth, sisters Frances Harvey of Orlando and Diane DuRant of Longwood, Fl. Six grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many great-great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the DuRant family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity. Bobby DuRant will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him and is most certainly at bat, with a twinkle in his eye, swinging for the fences.