Isaac Durham

Funeral services for Isaac Newton Durham were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Lone Star Baptist Church in Oakwood. Rev. Patrick Benson officiated and Elder RC Emanuel was the eulogist.

Isaac was born on Oct. 19, 1943, in Freestone County to Hobart Durham Sr. and Fannie Mae (Tippins) Durham. He was the ninth of 13 children.

Isaac was raised in Butler and attended Butler High School. He also furthered his education and career by receiving various training through the U.S. Marshals Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Academy, Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Officers, Standards and Education, Master Peace Officers, and the Federal B ureau of Investigation.

Isaac married Mattie Lewis and to this union were blessed with two chilren, Ramona and Keith. He later married Eva Bryant and to this union were blessed with two children, Amy and Ben.

Isaac then married Marilyn Sue Hicks and to this union were blessed with two children, Gerald and Lance. Isaac accepted Christ early in his life and united with the Lone Star Baptist Church.

Isaac served 23 years in the U.S. Army, retired from the U.S. Postal Service, served with the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office, worked for Emanuel Funeral Home and also Security National Life Insurance. He was a member of the NAACP and president of the chapter’s East Lake D urham Lodge.

Isaac passed away on Sept. 5, 2023, in Palestine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hobart and Fannie Mae Durham; two sisters, Thelma Lee Roquemore and Texanita Bluitt; and five brothers, Dorris Durham, Thomas A. Durham, Thurman Durham, Bascom Durham and Hobart Durham Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Sue Durham; four sons, Keith Isaac Durham (Sandra) of Hempstead, Gerald Hicks (Kim) of Waco, Lance Hicks of Waco, and Ben Bryant of Glenn Heights;two daughters, Ramona Benson (Patrick) of Missouri City and Amy T. Durham of Waxahachie; brothers, George Durham of Houston, Richard Durham (Karen) of Oakwood, and James Durham of Houston; special brothers, Freddie Fergusono (Anita), George Woodard (Yvonne) and Tommy Myers (Lovetta); sisters, LaRue Hooks (Margin) of Waco and Allie Faye Moore (Alvin) of Fairfield, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Joyce Brooks, Queen Ward and Elizabeth Elliott; 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.