Obituary of Patricia Jeanette Durham

Patricia Jeanette Keehan Durham, librarian, homemaker, ranch wife, and widow of TCU Emeritus Professor Dr. Floyd W. Durham Jr., died early Saturday morning, September 21, 2024. 

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2024 at Trinity Episcopal Church.  Interment will be in the Columbarium.  Family and friends are invited to a reception following the service.  

Patti was born on January 19, 1937 in Dallas, Texas, to John Patrick Keehan Sr. and Patricia Nettleton.  She shared her young life with her parents and her older brother, John Keehan.

After graduating from St. Ursuline’s Catholic School, Patti attended the University of North Texas where she earned a B.A. in Library Science and, later, an M.L.A. in Library Science.

Patti was widowed at an early age with the death of her first husband, Norman Chappell.  On May 23, 1973 she married Dr. Floyd W. Durham Jr. and they were married for 43 years.  Patti and Floyd shared a love for ranching and together they earned certificates in ranch management from TCU.  They acquired ranchlands in Eastland and Parker counties where they bred and raised Hereford cattle and Arabian horses. 

Not surprising for a librarian, books were one of Patti’s passions and she and Floyd acquired a large personal library.  Patti also loved gardening, travel, good conversation, spicy food, and their two golden retrievers, Sky and Barney.

Patti is survived by her son Ronald C. Durham and his wife, Susan; and grandchildren Katherine Kipling Durham and Alexander Kipling Durham and nieces and nephews.  Patti is predeceased by her beloved husband, Floyd, her parents, and her brother.

Memorial Gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to Union Gospel Mission or the Presbyterian Night Shelter.  The family expresses its gratitude to Jennifer Franklin, her long-time caregiver at the Brookdale City View; the medical community in Fort Worth; and the staff at James L. West Center for Dementia Care.