Norman Lee Durham

He was born in 1935 and raised in Dearborn, Michigan. Son of the late James and Allene Durham.

In 1960, he married Maria (Harma) Durham of Atlantic Mine, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

During high school he worked as a machinist for his father in his tool and die shop. He worked for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn in steam engineering and eventually transferred to scientific research lab and experimental vehicles retiring in 1983 as a development engineer.

He was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman and a “Jack of All Trades” sharing his expertise in many fields with family and friends. His love of playing sports inspired him to teach, coach and mentor his Little League teams instilling confidence, sportsmanship, character and respect for all players.

Norm was a member of the Wyandotte Hills Golf Club, Citrus Park 50+ men’s softball, the Helray Hunt Club, National Rifle Association, Dearborn Heights District 7 Dad’s Club and the Air National Guard.

After retiring, he and Maria moved to Twin Lakes, in 1985 and spent winters in Bonita Springs, FL Citrus Park until becoming a permanent Florida resident in 2017.

Norm is survived by his wife, Maria; son, Lee (Jen) Durham of Grand Rapids and children, Lee Jr., Nicole, James and Rachel; son, Terry (Kim) Durham of Dearborn Heights and children, Jeremy, Casey and Tyler; daughter, Kelly and husband, Glenn Newlin of Grain Valley, Missouri; five great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Martin Ekonen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Norm is also survived by his beloved pet Shih Tzu, Daisy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Allene Durham; sister, Dorothy; brother-in-law, Edward; niece, Lynn VanHooser; mother and father-in-law Wilma and John Harma; and special friends, Skip, Dennis, Ray and Joe.