Floyd Barry Durk, 83, Centralia, passed away Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, surrounded by his family after a long hard battle with cancer. He was born June 5, 1940, in Columbia, the son of the late Floyd Baker Durk and Laura Claudine (Hudson) Durk. Floyd married Kay Rentschler on December 3, 1960. Later, on August 11, 1988, he was united in marriage to Bonnie (Campbell) Reams.
In addition to his wife Bonnie of 35 years, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by one son James Durk; a daughter Brenda Broxton and her husband Ron; a stepson Matthew Reams; a stepdaughter Sherry Reams Loyd; grandchildren Jacob Watson and his fiancé Katie, Katelin Watson, Cameron Loyd, and Shelby McVey and her husband David; one great grandchild Callie; other relatives and many dear friends.
Floyd grew up in Callaway County where he attended Fulton High School, was active in FFA and raised registered Angus show cattle. After graduation, he attended the University of Missouri to study Animal Husbandry. Floyd moved to Columbia, MO where he began his life-long career in the grocery business. Floyd’s work career included Temple Stephens, Nowell’s Liquor and Patricia’s on Keene Street where he retired as liquor manager on June 12, 2002. At the time of his retirement, Floyd was known statewide for offering for sale the best selection of high-end wines. Floyd had an uncanny flair for helping his customers find the perfect bottle of wine to go with the meal they were preparing. Floyd hosted many wine tastings and was known for bringing out a bottle in a brown bag to pass around and share. Floyd and Bonnie were active members of the Aladdin Knights, a collector club for Aladdin Lamps. Floyd served on the board of the National Association of Aladdin Lamp Collectors (NAACL) in the role of vice-president. Floyd and Bonnie hosted 5 national gatherings for the Aladdin Knights and attended gatherings since 1987. Floyd and Bonnie host the Midwest Aladdin Regional Meet each year in Columbia, MO. Floyd was known for his lamp collection and vast knowledge of Aladdin Lamps. He was always willing to share his knowledge of lamps with others and especially new collectors. Floyd also served as a board member and President of the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association.
A celebration of life will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the Mt Zion Church near Hallsville, MO. Interment will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery near Hallsville, MO. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to service time on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the Mt. Zion Church near Hallsville, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association c/o Oliver Funeral Home, P.O. Box 125, Centralia, MO 65240. Condolences may also be made to the family at www.oliverfuneralhome.net
