Ernie Durr

Edwin Ernie Durr was born January 9, 1948, in Santa Fe, NM to Harold and Maida Durr, and was married to Margaret Gonzales Durr for 47 years.

Ernie passed away on September 3, 2015 after losing control of his motorcycle on I-25 near Eldorado, NM. Ernie was returning home with fellow American Legion Riders (Santa Fe, NM Post 1 Chapter 26), who provided military honors for a fellow veteran laid to rest earlier that day. Ernie never faltered from his commitment to honor veterans and their families during their time of need. Neither inclement weather nor personal circumstances ever stood in the way of fulfilling that commitment.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Maida Durr, and brother, Joe Durr. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons Jarad Durr (Jessi Robinson and her sons) and Patrick Durr (Paige Rodriguez); precious granddaughter, Alyssa Lissy Durr; brother, Harold Durr (Darlene Durr); and sister in-law, Irene Durr (many nieces and nephews).

Ernie grew up in Santa Fe. He graduated from St. Michaels High school and attended the College of Santa Fe. With not more than three semesters left from graduating, Ernie chose to leave school and enlisted in the Navy, serving in Vietnam. After completing his active duty commitment of four years, he returned home only to enlist in the Naval Reserve, where he dedicated forty years of his life, retiring as Command Master Chief ENCM. Ernie also returned home and worked along side his dad at Durrs Office Machines (the shop). Their relationship was one of the great highlights of his life and he carried on his fathers legacy, eventually buying the business and fixing machines up until recently when he made the difficult decision to close the shop after 48 years of operation. Ernie was involved in various organizations which includes the Santa Fe Chapters of the Elks Lodge, American Legion, American Legion Riders, VFW, and VFW Honor Guard. Command Master Chief ENCM Durr was instrumental in establishing the Honor Guard for the New Mexico Naval Reserve Center which provided funeral details for familys of fallen Navy Veterans. After retiring, Ernie continued providing funeral details for fallen veterans of the armed forces with the Santa Fe V.F.W. He was proud of his service and committed his life to the service of others in his community. Ernies love and appreciation for men and women in the armed forces and veterans who served was second only to his love for his wife, children, his grandchild, and their families. Ernie quite literally spent the the majority of his life taking care of those he loved until his last day with us.

Master Chief, Road Name Oops, and finally our personal favorites: Dad, Popo, Hun and Durr. These are all names created by people who loved, respected, and cared for you. You touched all of our hearts in a unique way, you were a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, in-law, shipmate, and friend. Your hugs, company, jokes, guidance, and commitment to supporting us all will be greatly missed. So until we meet again Fair winds and Following Seas. We love you Dad!
Visitation will begin at 5:30 PM Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at San Isidro Catholic Church (Parish Center) where a rosary will be recited at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 11:00am at San Isidro Catholic Church (Parish Center) with the interment to follow with full military honors at 12:45 pm at the National Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Harold Durr, Joseph Durr, Larry Montoya, Robert Boomer Montgomery, Rudy Padilla, and Steven Ulibarri.

Honorary Pallbearers: Paul Rodriguez Jr., Maxine Sandoval, and Manual "Buddy" Saiz.