Edward Lee Durham, 78, lifelong resident of Fredonia, died Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice-St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita. He was born July 5, 1933 in Fredonia, the son of Charles and Elva Mellen Durham.

On Feb. 1, 1953, Ed was united in marriage to Edith June Wood in Parsons. She preceded him in death Jan, 31, 2007.

Ed attended Fredonia High School prior to enlisting in the Army National Guard where he served for 26 years, including a tour in Korea before his retirement in 1993. Throughout the years that Ed lived in Fredonia, he had worked for the Fredonia Police Department, Fredonia Alfalfa Mill, Midwestern Litho, Vallis-Wingrof of Cherryvale, and Ladow-Spohn.

Ed was an active member in the First Assembly of God Church.

Survivors include three sons, Robert L. Durham, Emporia, Thomas L. Durham, Dakota Dunes, S.D., Danny L. Durham, Bellevue, Neb.; three sisters, Lola Thurman, Wichita, Barbara Crumley, St. Joseph, Mo., Peggy Pyles, Cushing, Okla.; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Mark E. Durham and Brian S. Durham.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, March 8, at the First Assembly of God Church in Fredonia. A private family burial will take place in the Fredonia City Cemetery at a later date. Memorials have been established in Ed’s name with the Friends for Youth and the Fredonia Flag Fund. Memorials may be sent to Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736. Words of condolence for the family may be sent to www.timmonsfuneralhome.com.