East Alton—Willie Jeff Durham, Jr., 79, passed away Monday, December 11, 2023 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon, IL.

Born March 27, 1944 in Dante, VA, he was the son of Willie J. and Gladys K. (Coldiron) Durham.

Willie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1962 and proudly served his country for over 20 years, retiring as a Technical Sergeant.  He also retired as a supervisor from the U.S. Postal Service after 24 years.  He enjoyed cars and especially motorcycles, and he took several trips around the country.  Willie also was an avid photographer and loved spending time with his grandkids.  Many that knew him will remember him as a jokester as well.

He is survived by his wife, Anongrak, whom he married in 1972; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Aschley Durham of East Alton; four grandchildren, Devin, Kendra, Chloe, and Karlie; and two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Nit and Jim Bousquet and Ganjana and Mark Nyhus, all of Texas.

The family will have a private celebration of Willie's life at a later date.

Professional services entrusted to Paynic Home for Funerals, with an online guestbook available at www.paynicfh.com