Gerald "Gary" Durant

Gerald “Gary” Durant, 75, of Massillon, passed away on August 23,2023. He was born on March 2, 1948, to the late Eugene and Jean (Bookless) Durant.

Gary was a 1967 graduate of Fairless High School. He attended Kent Stark State before being drafted into the Army where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

An electrician by trade, Gary worked for the former Doctor’s Hospital for 28 years before their closing.

He was a lifelong season ticket holder for his beloved Tigers and now has passed those tickets on for his family to continue the tradition.

Gary’s greatest passion in life was his family and he cherished his title as “Papa”. Regardless of being family or not, everyone knew him as Papa and knew how much he loved cooking for them.

His time, memories and favorite meals with his family and friends are something they will always keep close in their hearts.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim, Terry and Ted Durant and his nephew Dustin Durant.

He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn (Pearson) Durant; children Ryan (Debbie) Karn and Lori (Ken) Mowery; siblings Norma Sword, Dale Durant, Theresa (Rich) Swan, Iva (Dave) Otto and Tim (Celia) Durant; grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Kaely, Maddie, Ethan, Pearson, Lacy and Kynan; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 30th from 11 am to 12 pm at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Funeral services will begin a 12 pm and he will be entombed at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens where full military honors will be rendered.