Joel Durrant, 78, longtime resident of Filer, Mountain Home, and Kuna, Idaho was born July 16, 1936 in Provo, Utah to Clarence Henry and Evelyn Marguerite Hinckley Durrant. He passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 3, 2015 in Provo, Utah. Joel spent his early years in Provo surrounded by Durrant and Hinckley cousins, but at the age of 11 he moved with his family to a farm on the outskirts of Meridian, Idaho. That farm became the Big D Ranch. He graduated from Kuna High School in 1954 and then spent two years at BYU. In October of 1956, Joel left his family to serve a three-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hong Kong, part of the Southern Far East Mission. He loved the people he served and they became a lasting part of his life. Shortly after returning from his mission he met Veleen Crystal Pendleton. They were married August 1, 1960 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. They made their home at the Big D, where they remodeled an old home just north of the main ranch. For nearly 24 years they lived there, surrounded by extended family, raising their seven children. Many nieces, nephews, and others were also welcomed into their home and were treated like family. He divided his time between church service, farming, and family. Joel spent nearly a decade serving in bishopric positions. In 1984 they left the Big D behind and built a new home at Cinder Butte (between Boise and Mountain Home, Idaho). They spent 14 years there, farming and building new friendships. Their hospitality will long be remembered, as will the seminary mud football parties, pig roasts and chicken barbeques. With their children all raised with families of their own, and health problems beginning to plague him, they realized it was time to sell the farm. They owned land in Filer, Idaho, so they relocated in 1998 and built a new home and friendships there. That same year they were called to serve a mission at Historic Cove Fort in Utah. They were thrilled to serve in this Hinckley family legacy. After returning to Filer, they served missions in Twin Falls at the LDS Employment and Family History Centers. They were also gracious hosts for Haitian reunions, lots of parties, and chicken barbeques. Veleen unexpectedly passed away in October 2006. In early 2013 he reconnected with Linda Green Tyler, a friend he had dated in high school. She, too, had lost her eternal companion. As they corresponded, their voids of loneliness dissolved. Linda brought the sparkle back into his eyes. They were married April 20, 2013. They split their time between Joel's home in Filer and Linda's home in Orem. In February 2015 they sold his home and became permanent residents of Orem, Utah. On June 3, 2015 he, who was a foundation for so many, quietly slipped away to the fading strains of "How Firm a Foundation." Known for his stalwart commitment to gospel principles, his sense of humor, integrity, faith, service, work-ethic, compassion, and strength of character; he was a lover of people, a lover of life, and a giver of time. Instead of pursuing his own dreams and ambitions, Joel dedicated himself to being and doing whatever the Lord desired. He relished his titles and roles of husband, dad, grandpa, Bishop, missionary, farmer, and master craftsman. Joel was preceded in death by his eternal companion, Veleen; his parents Clarence and Evelyn; his brothers: John, David, Stephen, and Russell; his sisters Mary and Christine; and four of his grandchildren: Dan Durrant, Brenton Chevalier, David Abbott, & Ressa Durrant. He leaves behind his wife Linda; a posterity of seven children: Angela (Curt) Stoddard, Amy (Joel) Dixon, Linda (David) West, Evan (Maria) Durrant, Cheryl (Gary) Abbott, Crystal (Gary) Chevalier, and Leo (Kelley) Durrant; 36 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters Lorna Hansen and Carolyn Calkins; and countless other extended family members and friends. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he loved and in the treasures he created. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 841 W. Midway Street in Filer, Idaho with a viewing to be held at the church from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the services. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Kuna Cemetery, 1321 Boise Street in Kuna, Idaho. Arrangements are under the direction of Zeyer Funeral Chapel. Service: Saturday, June 13, 2015 10:00 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Filer LDS Stake Center 841 W. Midway Street Filer, Idaho Visitation: 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Prior to the services Filer LDS Stake Center
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