Clyne 'Ted' W. Durst Jr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Clyne W. “Ted” Durst, Jr. announces his passing on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 after a lengthy illness. He was 83. Ted was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Dorothy (Bischman) and Clyne W. Durst, Sr. The family moved to Michigan and Ted attended school in Grand Ledge. Because he shared a birthday with President Theodore Roosevelt, he took the nickname “Teddy” as a boy. Ted attended the University of Michigan, earning both BA (1952) and JD (1954) degrees. In 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Luethjohann, and they had four children. Jean preceded him in death. In 1969, he married Joan and they had one child. In 1957, Ted moved to Adrian to join the Baker and Baker law firm. He became a partner in 1958 and continued to practice law with the firm until his retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Michigan Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He also taught for several years at Adrian College. In addition to practicing law, Ted founded several businesses through the years, including Roto Plastics. He served as an officer for Roto Plastics until last year. In 1961, Ted was elected as a delegate to the Michigan Constitutional Convention as a representative for Lenawee County. He was instrumental in the passage of the new state Constitution, convincing Lenawee County voters to approve ratification. Ted considered his work at the Convention to be one of his greatest life achievements and was part of the reason he was named one of 10 "Outstanding Young Men in Michigan" in 1962. Because of his work at the Convention, Ted was offered a position in then Governor Romney’s cabinet. However, he chose to stay in Adrian to raise his family, and immersed himself in civic activism and volunteerism. Ted was involved in numerous organizations and projects in Adrian and Lenawee County throughout the past 57 years. He generated ideas for improvements, and donated his time, personal funds, and legal expertise. He served as president of the Adrian Jaycees, YMCA director, chairman of the Adrian United Fund Drive, and president of the Adrian Chamber of Commerce, as well as, a member of the Michigan Judges Retirement Board, the Adrian School Board, and the Bixby Hospital Board. He is a long-time member (and past president) of the Kiwanis Club, maintaining perfect attendance for 47 years. In honor of his many contributions to Lenawee County, Ted was honored with the Maple Leaf Award by the Lenawee Chamber for Economic Development in 2006. Through his work with the Kiwanis Club, Ted was integral in the development and construction of the Kiwanis Riverview Terrace property, bringing affordable senior citizen housing to Adrian. As chair of the Kiwanis Community Pride Committee, he spearheaded many city improvement projects, including the Adrian entrance signs on north M-52 and west U.S. 223, beautification of traffic islands around town, and restoration of the flagpole atop the county courthouse. Most significantly, Ted led the campaign to establish Trestle Park and the Kiwanis Trail, an 8-mile hiking and biking trail that runs through Adrian to Tecumseh. A new trailhead and park on West Maumee St. is planned for land donated by Ted and will be named the "Ted Durst Kiwanis Gateway Park." During his later years, Ted was particularly proud of his work with the Lenawee Historical Museum. He served as vice president in charge of administration, and helped change the structure of the museum to a volunteer organization and set up a perpetual trust to fund continuing growth. Ted loved history and took great pleasure in sharing that love with others through the museum's many exhibits. Ted was a prolific reader and was rarely seen at home without a book nearby. He enjoyed a spirited debate, a good game of solitaire, noting endless ideas on a yellow legal pad, traveling the world, and watching the birds ("my dinosaurs") on his many feeders. He was a faithful University of Michigan fan and very proud to be a Wolverine. Ted will be remembered with affection and pride by his wife, Joan; his children, Connie Durst, Cindy Durst, Chuck (Allison) Durst, Craig Durst, Jeni (Brian) Neff, Mike (Laura) Smith, Kathie Williams, and Greg Smith; his 11 grandchildren; his 5 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Jane Siego; and a large extended family. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Dottie Barden, Jack Durst, and Patty Neiman. According to Ted's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, September 2 at the Wagley Funeral Home in Adrian. Visitation will be held at 12:30pm with the service immediately following at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, Ted would have appreciated donations to be made to some of his favorite charities: the Lenawee Historical Museum, Hospice of Lenawee, the Lenawee Humane Society, and the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee.

Clyne 'Ted' W. Durst Jr.

October 27, 1930 - August 20, 2014