Dr. Durnell attended high school in Flemington, Missouri, where he loved playing
basketball. He attended Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield, for his pre-dental studies. O.J. met his wife of 63 years, Jackie, while attending Southwest Missouri State. While serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves he continued his dental studies at University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduating in May of 1945.
O.J. was not only a dentist to many in the Sedalia area for 38 years, but also a friend. He loved his patients and the community in which he lived. He was a member of First Christian Church since 1947 and a lifetime elder, serving as chairman of the board two terms. O.J. worked with Boy Scout Troop 66 there for many years. He served as president of the Sedalia Lions Club two times and was an active member for 57 years. He was a member for 38 years of the Central District Dental Society, serving as chairman for two years. O.J. was a United States Navy veteran of World War II and was recalled to service and loaned to the Army to serve in the Korean War for 18 months, earning legion of merit and bronze star medals. He also loved golfing, hunting and playing bridge.
Survivors include his wife, Jackie Durnell, of the home; two sons, Larus Gary Durnell, and his wife, Diane, of Phoenix, Ariz, and Gerald “Joe” Wynn, and his wife, Sharon, of St. Louis; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister,
Maxine Sandefur.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2005, at First Christian Church, with Dr. Russell Willoughby and the Rev. Susan Barton officiating
Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591 conducting military honors at the graveside.
Pallbearers will be Don Hicks, Tim Girard, Eirk Eimar, Brad Durnell, Nathan Durnell and Keith Nevins.
Friends may call after 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2005, at Heckart/Gillespie Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Friends may also sign the guest register online at www.heckart-gillespie.com
The family suggests memorial contributions to First Christian Church, Children’s Therapy Center or the Show-Me Christian Youth Home.
Dr. Orlis J. Durnell, 88, of Sedalia, died Saturday evening, August 6, 2005, at Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg.
He was born September 29, 1916, in Weaubleau, Missouri, a son of Gene and Eula Mae Hogue Durnell.
On March 29, 1942, in Springfield, Missouri, he married Jacquline “Jackie” Denney, who survives of the home.
