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.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Taunya Kathleen DuRant says
Ty. I was the only grandchild for sooooo long and did EVERYTHING with them for summer vacation, Christmas vacation, during fall we'd go to the mountains in North Carolina to watch the leaves change! During the spring we'd go to watch the flowers bloom the humming birds fly and go looking for rubies and gold nuggets in the mountain streams! I miss them so much! I wish I could just go back in time and be like that again!
Taunya DuRant says
I miss my Paps so much! I'm now on my way to see Mims in Eustis! I was their favorite grandchild for the longest time! Words cannot begin to describe my grief!
Gerald and Debbie Rains says
Our deepest sympathies for Ann and the entire family. Bob will be missed by many and remembered fondly by all of us. Prayers of comfort for all of you.Gerald and Debbie Rains
May 05, 2014 at 05:28 PM says
Serene Retreat was purchased for the family of Mr. Robert Edgar DuRant .
Lisa Kinsinger DuRant says
William D. purchased the Sacred Duty Spray for the family of Mr. Robert Edgar DuRant .
May 04, 2014 at 10:25 AM says
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Mr. Robert Edgar DuRant .
Arthur Zackery zJr. says
Captain Durant and I had a lot of good memories on the softball diamond, he was a valuable asset on the Fire Department as well. He was a very good hitter in his day and I always remember his winning attitude that inspired our teams to always give a little extra. To the family there is comfort in Psalm 30:5. Zack
Walter Lewis says
On behalf of current members of the Orlando Fire Department, I would like to thank Mrs. Annette DuRant and the family of Capt DuRant for his service to our department and the community, as well as his military service for our country. His contribution to our agency, however large or small, has helped shaped a very proud fire department. Likewise, a successful life is not measured in money, but in the riches of family and love, of which it sounds that Capt DuRant had much of both. Please accept our condolences and our prayers for your comfort during these times.
davidmcchesney says
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. DuRant. His son Billy was my engineer. Everytime I saw Mr. DuRant at my station, he left a impression on me. He was a great example of how to live life and be happy, U will be miss. David McChesney
John Miller says
Orlando Fire Department Captain Robert DuRant -Rest in Peace brother -Thank you for your service and sacrifices to the citizens of Orlando during your distinguished 26 year career. Deepest sympathy to the DuRant family from OFD. God Bless!Fire Chief John Miller
Joe C says
The Durant family has my deepest sympathy. In your time of loss, know that your family and friends are behind you, Angels are beside you, and that GOD is always with you. I enjoyed working with Capt. Bobby and playing on the OFD Olympic Softball team with Bobby on the mound tossing those spinning and lofty soft balls.Kindest regards,Joe C
Jack Pelletier says
Rest in peace Capt. Durant. Peace with Gods love also to his loving family. I worked with Capt Durant on Orlando Fire Department. I also worked in the fuel oil business along with him. A real hard working honest and good man.
Arthur Battles says
My name is Arthur Battles and I never worked with or met Capt. DuRant but as a member of the OFD Family I pray for comfort to the DuRant family for your loss.
Randy Smith says
Our deepest, sincerest sympathy to dear cousin Ann. I can't remember a time without Bobby in our family and in our lives, but I remember so well the many good times we shared. He was truly loved and a great "cuz". Barbara and Randy Smith
Denise Bronson says
Hey Cuz,You know how much we loved Paps and love Mims, you and your family. "Those Tournoux Girls"!!
May 01, 2014 at 03:35 PM says
Lisa Kinsinger DuRant is following this tribute.
Wayne Futch says
Always a Great Person to myself.
John Veasey says
One is not measured by his acquired wealth or possessions…but by the impressions left in other's memories. You can not take that away. It is more valuable than one can explain. Go forth and enjoy what you have learned from him. May God lead your way to happier times. Thoughts and prayers for the families he left behind. John Veasey Niceville, FL
Lisa Kinsinger DuRant says
Thank you Wayne and John.
Gary Woodard says
I worked with Bob at McCoy AFB when I first joined the Orlando Fire Department and was always appreciative of his smile and kind words to a 'rookie firefighter'. May he be welcomed by the OFD members waiting in Heaven for our arrival.
Lisa Kinsinger DuRant says
Thank you Gary.