Michael Raymond Durant

Michael R. Durant (59) of DeLand, Florida passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024, after a short illness. Michael was the son of Robert Durant Jr. and Elizabeth Durant of Watertown, NY. Michael was born in Wurzburg, Germany and spent his childhood years in New York, Georgia, and Tennessee. 

He graduated from Northeast High School, Clarksville, TN class of 1985. Upon graduation Michael joined the U.S. Army and received his basic and AIT training as a Light Vehicle Mechanic at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon graduation he was stationed in Germany for several years and finished his service in Ft. Lewis Washington. After an honorable military discharge, he traveled by motorcycle cross-country to the warmer climate of Florida where he built a civilian life. For the next 20 years he worked in construction and maintenance developing his skills in shade top construction. A highlight of those years was when he was chosen to travel to Australia to consult about construction methods for shade top projects. Michael spent the last 10 years working as a Senior Engineering Technician for Bechtol Engineering and Testing Inc., he really enjoyed his work due to it feeling like working with family.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling with his long-time friend Kathie McTaggart taking trips to the beach, camping, hiking, and enjoying an afternoon ride. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. Michael wasn’t an outwardly emotional person, but he shared his love with many family of the heart members (brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, and grandchildren) which fulfilled him in many ways. He loved getting to teach and spend time with his grandchildren, who called him Pa-Pa.

Michael is survived by his daughters: Destiny Kanger-Durant, Willa Stooksbury, Hope Watford, Hunter Watford, all of Florida; his mother: Elizabeth Durant, Watertown, NY; brothers: Robert Durant, Rochester, NY, Paul Durant, Bernhards Bay, NY, sister: Teresa (Durant) Johnson, Theresa, NY; family of the heart brother, Jimmie Cyree, brother-in-law: Rick Bennett both of Florida; sister;, Sandy Bennett, Florida; his Grandchildren Kimberli Smith and Ryan Smith, Jase Kanger Jr., Bentley Lightfoot, Gia Jones, all of Florida. Nieces and nephews: Ashley (Ken) McConnell, Gerald (Elizabeth) Petty, Christopher Petty, Tracy Johnson, Coline Schoeb, Sydney Durant, Cassie Bennett, Scott Bennett, Amber Cyree.

He was predeceased by his father Robert Durant Jr., sister-in-law Trina Durant, and son Jase Kanger Sr.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church in Deland, Florida, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 10:30am. 

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2pm at 1803 Riveredge Drive, Astor, FL.