Jerry B. Duran

Jerry B. Duran, 87, of Garden City, KS passed away Monday, May 5, 2024 at his home.  Visitation will be held at Robson Funeral Home, 620 N. Main Street, Garden City, on Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prior to Rosary there will be a visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 509 Saint John Avenue, Garden City; where a rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. at the church.  Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the church.  The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the church. 

Jerry was born April 8, 1937, to the late Peter and Josephine (Blea) Duran in Trementina, New Mexico.  He graduated from the Kansas School for the Blind in 1957 where he was a Kansas State Champion wrestler and earned a Varsity Letter.  Jerry never let his lack of eyesight dictate what he could do and at a young age learned to be independent and resourceful to succeed.  After graduation, Jerry moved to Garden City where he learned how to be an upholsterer. He worked at Vern’s Upholstery for almost 15 years before striking out on his own.   Jerry was modest but enjoyed looking his best in public, he was known for wearing his Wayfarer sunglasses.  He eventually caught the eye of a young lady he met at a dance in Garden City.  Three months later Jerry proposed to Geraldine ”Gerry”  Perez and they were married on September 19, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Garden City.   Jerry settled into family life and eventually bought the family home where he raised a family with Gerry.  In 1976, he took a leap of faith and opened Jerry’s Upholstery where he worked until eventually easing into retirement in 2014.  

Jerry was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish and member of the Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed growing chilis’ and even claims he taught Gerry how to cook.  He enjoyed teaching upholstery classes at Garden City Community College and connecting with his students as an adjunct instructor.  The way Jerry lived his life was his children’s gold standard for how a husband treats their wife and family.  He was very proud of his family and accomplishments and loved to watch old westerns. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his dear wife Gerry in November of 2014; a daughter in law Mindy; sister, Josephine Rojas.  He is survived by his children, David Duran; Glen Duran and wife Karen; Loretta King and husband Cory; brothers Richard Duran and wife Geraldine; Pete Duran; Gene Duran and wife Patty; sister, Caroline Flores; Grandchildren, Caine Duran and wife Brittany; Blaine Duran and wife Ky’Eira; Jacob Duran; Joshua Duran; Emily Duran; Tanner King and Molly King; great grand children, Julian Duran, Isabella Duran; Bentley Novak; and Arys Duran.