Virgil Max Durfee

Virgil “Max” Durfee was born in Pocatello October 7th, 1946, to Laverne Darrington Durfee and Virgil Ruthen Durfee. He passed away on May 9th, 2025, with family by his side. He said his gas tank was empty.

Max married Janice Scott Durfee on May 7th, 1965, and started their family of 5 boys and 2 girls. After Janice passed, he married Shawna R Durfee on July 2nd, 1981, who brought with her a daughter and later a little sister.

Max grew up in Malad riding horses.  He taught his kids to work hard.  When they were young, they would all go out to cut firewood to sell.  He loved to go hunting, fishing, and camping.  He provided free range venison dinners for his family from his year-round tag.  His CB name was “the one-armed bandit”.  He played softball and was the pitcher and had an article in the newspaper naming him the fastest pitcher in the west.  Wherever Max was tinkering, he would have his motor going.  

Some of his work history started back in August of 1964 helping build the feed lot Bar 61 for Lamb Weston with his dad. He worked for the City of Kimberly, and was a volunteer fire fighter for the city of Kimberly, the Cassia County Incinerator (working with all 3 sons and his Uncle Harold and cousin Doyle Cahoon), Wes’s Welding, he drove truck for Circle A and then with his son, Guy, at Durfee Trucking , he drove truck and helped with harvest for his neighbor, Clyde Anthon and Lynn Mitchell and finally retired from working with his friend and neighbor, Val Darrington and family.  

Max was preceded in death by his parents Laverne and Virgil, wife, Janice, sons, Wade Thomas Durfee & Les J Durfee.
He is survived by his sibling, Jean Fischer, ex-wife; Shawna Durfee, sons; Edwin Virgil Durfee (Patty), Douglas Max Durfee (Malynda), Guy Scott Durfee (Amy), daughters; Leslie Bendele (Warren), Kandace Peterson (Keith), Trena Durfee-Houston (Owen) and Misty Dawn Durfee (Lance), grandchildren; 20, & great grandchildren; 22.

The celebration of life will be held at Mountain Shadow Barn 845 East 500 South, Burley, Idaho on May 19th from 6 pm to 8 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.

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