Wilford Adis Durham Wilford Adis Durham, 95, of Overgaard passed away Oct. 15, 2020, at his home peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 30, 1925, in Hopkinsville, Christian County, Ken., the second child of Adis Alonzo Durham and Susan Leone Ferrell. In 1929, due to his mother’s health, the family moved to Winslow where several other family members were living. In November 1937, after the death of his father, at age 13, Wilford did as his father asked and became man of the house, looking after his mother, three sisters and one brother. In 1941, the family moved to Phoenix before moving to Overgaard three years ago. With his mother’s consent, he joined the United States Navy at age 17 and served during World War II. A few years ago he and his son Mark were able to go to Washington, D.C., on a WWII honor flight. Following an honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned home and in 1947 gained employment with the Phoenix Fire Department. He retired as captain after 33 years of service. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Evelyn Ruth Echols on Oct. 13, 1949, in the Mesa LDS Temple. They were married until her death in 2006. He married Bobbie Louise Inman Stewart on June 23, 2007 at her home in Sun City. They were married until her death in 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Verna Louise Schlinker, Nina Jean Farrington Tanner and Marvine Whitmer. He is survived by sons, Steve (MaryLee) Durham of Heber; Mark (Debbie) Durham of Overgaard; and brother William (Linda) Durham of Glendale; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; and stepchildren, Theresa “Joni” Fox, David and Jimmy Stewart. Silver Creek Mortuary of Taylor handled the arrangements.
