Jerome Durnil

Jerome Francis Durnil, 76, passed away Friday, February 28, 2023, at his home in Yakima, Washington.
Mr. Durnil was born January 1, 1947, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the son of Hershel Oliver Durnil and Elizabeth (Grosso) Durnil.

He attended K-12 in Rock Springs, graduating from Rock Springs High School. Jerome later attended University of Wyoming, earning a degree in chemical engineering. After graduating, Jerome moved to Washington to work as a chemical engineer at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, until his retirement in 2000.

Mr. Durnil married Janice Rae Tjebben on January 17,1977, in Richland, Washington. The two met while working at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.

Jerome and Janice chose to be foster parents in the early 90s and continued to do so into their later years. A number of those foster children where later adopted, and still an important part of their lives.

Jerry was a serious and methodical man who loved his family and his animals. His greatest joy during his later years was to be out in the field with his cattle and a cup of coffee, tinkering with something, or in his recliner watching a James Bond film. In his younger years, his hobbies where numerous and included dirt bike racing, drag racing, hunting, rock concerts, and building custom stereo equipment. Probably the mans greatest talent was the ability to stretch a single sentence out over two hours.

He is survived by his children, Stephanie Kelly (husband, Beau), Zechariah Hawley (wife, Heather), Evodio Reyes Jr., Mario Mata (significant other, Christine), and Angela Summers, grandchildren, Zedekian Hawley, Austin and Lillianna Anderson, Kourtnee and Kaysen Hines, Faith and Naja Summers. Mr. Durnil is preceded in death his parents, wife, and sister.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 11, 2023, at 1:00pm, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901).

Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com.

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