Longtime Public Servant and Former St. Marys township Fire Chief Larry Durkee Passes Away at 76

Larry G. Durkee, a well-known public servant and former fire chief in St. Marys, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. He was 76.

Born December 20, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Durkee was the son of the late Clarence and Dorothy (Goodman) Durkee. He married Margorie I. Durkee on September 11, 1971; she preceded him in death earlier this year on July 8.

Durkee is survived by his son, Mike (Dixie) Durkee of St. Marys; three grandsons, Jason (Krystal) Durkee of Spencerville, Andrew (Meg Fillinger) Durkee of El Paso, Texas, and Nick (Megan) Durkee of Fairborn; and four great-grandchildren: Liam, Lilly, Lane, and Levi. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly (Rex) Roby of Huntington, West Virginia, along with a niece and nephew.

A 1967 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School, Durkee spent 29 years with the Ohio Department of Transportation before serving five years as the village administrator in New Bremen. He was among the founding members of the St. Marys Township Fire Department and served as fire chief for more than 20 years. His leadership also contributed to the development of the Greenville Township Fire Department.

Durkee was an active member of Wayne Street Church in St. Marys and participated in the Ohio Good Sams Camping Club and Moon Walkers Chapter #68. He and his late wife, Marge, enjoyed traveling and RVing, sharing many cherished adventures together. Known for his humor and friendliness, he was a beloved figure to many.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Cisco Funeral Home in St. Marys, with Pastor Tim Benjamin officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to Noon before the service. Guests are encouraged to dress casually in honor of Larry.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens in St. Marys. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Township Fire Department.