Thomas Raymond Duris

Thomas Duris was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 22, 1936.  He was the eldest of three boys born from the union of Emil and Phyllis (nee Raymond) Duris.  They lived in East Toledo in the Swayne Town area, just on the edge of the Birmingham neighborhood.  Thomas attended Waite High School and at the age of 18 he enlisted in the United States Army.  He began at Fort Knox, then Fort Ord near Pebble Beach, California and then to Germany where he managed a tank.  He was discharged in 1957 at Fort Ord and returned to Toledo.

In the summer of 1961, while attending a singles party at Sand Beach, he was sitting on the edge of the dock and was pulled into and under the water.  It was Julia Rose Dombi, who then became his bride on May 19, 1962.  Thomas and Julia raised their family in the area of Collins Park Golf Course (aka East Side Country Club).  Thomas was employed for 37 years with the Toledo Blade Newspaper. Upon retirement, he and Julia began day tripping to state parks both in Ohio and Michigan, hiking trails and exploring nature.  They also hiked the local metroparks, keeping a log of their hiking journeys and miles.  After hiking in Amish areas, he would often buy Amish pies and bring them back to give to family and friends.

In 1990, Thomas began his sobriety journey and from there was able to mentor others who faced the same challenges, often receiving phone calls in the middle of the night, giving them an ear.  In the late 90s, Thomas took a step in his life to draw closer to God, making a decision to follow His son Jesus, choosing a relationship with Christ over religion.  Thomas was a very giving person.  In the summers while tending to three gardens, he would give a lot of the produce to his church to make provision for needy families within the church.  Thomas also had a special fondness for his niece with special needs, Mary Pat.  He would often visit her at the Luther Home of Mercy and became a regular monthly donor.  Thomas attended Cedar Creek Church, West Toledo Campus and became a regular volunteer in the food giveaway.  Thomas sold his home on Collins Park and relocated to the Eaglestone Retirement Living in Lambertville, Michigan.  After several years, he moved to Vibrant Life Assisted Living in Temperance, Michigan.

Thomas Raymond Duris, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Vibrant Life.  His passing was preceded by his parents; his beloved spouse Julia Rose on May 23, 2008; an unborn child in miscarriage; and his brother Joseph Emil Duris.

To cherish his memory, he leaves four children:  Thomas, Robert, Carolyn and Lisa; three grandchildren, Nathan (Amanda) Duris, Tom (Rachel) Duris, Stephanie (Joey) Wetmore; three great-grandchildren:  Jordan, Weslie and Micah; his brother Donald (Janice) Duris and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; also, his best buddy Johnny Zatko, born six days apart and having been the best men in each other’s weddings.

Friends may gather on Saturday, April 20 from 10:30am until 11:30am at Cedar Creek Church, Perrysburg campus, where a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:30am. There will be a luncheon following the service in the South Atrium outside of the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor are suggested to the Luther Home of Mercy in Williston, Ohio, which was very dear to his heart.

Habegger Funeral Services is honored to serve the Duris family.  We encourage you to share a fond memory or condolences by visiting www.habeggerfuneralservices.com

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