Dates
Barbara Jean Freeman Durkay, 80, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023, in San Angelo.
Rosary Service will be at 6:00 PM Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Mass will be at 10:00 AM Friday, January 5, 2024, at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church. Burial of the urn will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
Mrs. Durkay, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was born March 7, 1943 in McComb, Mississippi to P.H. and Minie Mae (Speed) Freeman. Barbara grew up in a military family following her father to the Panama Canal Zone, places in the states, and Wuerzburg, Germany, where she met her future husband. Barbara married John Durkay on June 8, 1963 in Enterprise, Alabama. She would follow John throughout his military career, 3 tours in Germany, California, Maryland, and Texas. She was a devoted housewife. Barbara enjoyed gardening, loved flowers, and raising her 3 boys. She later worked for Central National Bank, and Stars and Stripes Book Store while in Germany. Barbara was proud to tell the story that she got to see Queen Elizabeth when she was still a Princess as she passed through the Panama Canal. She loved going on cruises with friends and especially the Alaskan Cruise she took on their 50th wedding anniversary. She couldn't wait to go to the Speed Family reunion.
Survivors include her husband, John Durkay; three sons, Mark Durkay of Fredericksburg, Jeffrey Durkay and wife Mary, and Brian Durkay and wife Dannielle all of San Angelo; two brothers, Jerry Freeman of Akron, Ohio, and Robert Freeman of San Angelo; two grandchildren, Nicole (Durkay) Key and husband Joe, and Michael Durkay; and two great grandchildren, Jaylee Key, and MaKenna Key. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, L. Michael Freeman.
Memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741