Kenneth Duran Obituary

Kenneth Paul Duran

Kenneth "Kenny" "Ken" Paul Duran died peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at home with his daughters and granddaughter by his side.

He was born Jan. 7, 1958, in Fostoria, to Salvador and Marjorie (Black) Duran. He graduated from St. Wendelin High School in 1976. He married Heather Doe in 1977 and they later divorced.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Kendra J. Duran (Joey Rizzolo) and Brittney R. Baney (Aaron Baney); son, Ian M. Duran; grandchildren, Brooke Carrick, Taylor Rowe, Peyton Bishop, Cassidy Souder, and Lucas Souder; stepmother, Carmelita Duran; and 13 siblings.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Duran; sister, Linda Duran; and granddaughter, Allyson Souder.

He retired from Honeywell in Fostoria in 2006. It is essential to note that he would be highly offended if anyone believed that he was completely retired and not working since retiring from Honeywell. Being a working man was his identity. He formulated most, if not all, of his ideals around working hard for a living. As such, he had various jobs from 2006-2018 after retirement. Up to a week before his death, he lamented that he would not have another opportunity to put in another day of hard work. He was also deeply disappointed to be unable to finish painting his house and buy himself a new hot rod.

His guilty pleasure was watching professional wrestling on television and he formerly attended many in-person bouts at Toledo Sports Arena. He was particularly proud of attending, with ringside seats, what has since been billed as the "biggest main event in sports entertainment," in 1987 at Wrestlemania III in the Pontiac Silverdome, where Hulk Hogan body slammed Andre the Giant.

One hobby he enjoyed was working on cars. He refurbished several vehicles from inside his garage over the decades. He was proud that his welding skills had improved and his paint jobs were above average. He had many hot rods throughout his life and routinely spoke of regret over not keeping them. He was a consummate rule follower, but did allow himself a few speeding tickets for racing.

His most immense love was food and esophageal cancer robbed him of the ability to eat any longer. In the last few weeks of his life, he spoke daily about all the amazing meals he remembered. His preference was for anything with meat and potatoes. He loved to barbecue and was deeply satisfied that he could cook for his family. It was not unusual for him to spend hours grilling only to not eat a single bite so that he could sit back with a beer and enjoy watching his kids and all their friends enjoy the fruits of his labor.

He will be remembered for his sarcastic humor, hardworking nature, and fierce love for his children and grandchildren. He was the only giant that existed in his children's eyes.

There will be no funeral or visitation out of respect for his wishes.

He requested that any memorials in his honor be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, an organization he regularly donated to.

Arrangements are being handled by HOENING & SON FUNERAL HOME, 133 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria, Ohio, 44830.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.