David Keith Duren, 96, of Montgomery City, passed away at 10:10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the New Florence Care Center.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 5, at the First United Methodist Presbyterian Church in Montgomery City with Rev. Ed Hankinson officiated. Burial was in Montgomery City Cemetery.  Casketbearers included Steve Davis, Chris Duren, John Kempf, Matt Speight, Scott Duren and Jon Wells. Honorary casketbearers included David Barker and Howard Hollensteiner.

Visitation was Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Presbyterian Church with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m.

David Keith Duren was born January 14, 1921 in rural Howard County, Missouri, the son of Robert C. and Ida P. (Spires) Duren.

Mr. Duren graduated from Glasgow High School in 1938 and then attended Central Methodist College in Fayette for two years. He began teaching at the Saline Valley Elementary (west of Glasgow) and then attended the Curtis Wright Aircraft School in St. Louis, inspecting and building aircrafts.

In Dec. 1942, Keith moved to Kansas City with his brother, R.D., to work for North American Aviation, building B-25's. There, he met a young lady named Ruth Elaine Hull. The two were married on August 6, 1943 in Kansas City.

In the summer of 1945, Keith and Elaine moved to Fayette after purchasing a farm outside of town. He then graduated from Kirksville State Teacher's College in 1948 with a degree in Math and Science. In the fall of that year, Keith accepted a position of Math and Science Teacher and Principal in Bellflower High School. After three years, he purchased half-interest in Scott Insurance Agency. He and Elaine managed the agency from 1952 until 1968. At that time, they purchased the remaining half from Harry Scott.

Mr. Duren was a member of the First United Methodist Presbyterian Church in Montgomery City and Masonic Lodge #246 AF & AM. He was a member of numerous Masonic organizations including Master – Montgomery Lodge #246, Past High Priest of Triune Chapter #93 Royal Arch Masons, Illustrious Master of Centralia Council #34, Past Commander of Crusade Commandry #23 and Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH) Missouri Priory #17. He served for several local organizations including: Montgomery County Fair Board, Disability Board, Montgomery City Council, local Montgomery Economic Development Board, and Montgomery City Kiwanis Club. He was selected as the Montgomery City Chamber of Commerce "1999 Man of the Year".

Keith enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, woodworking, travelling, antique cars and gardening. One of his prides was the cabin he built in Montana in the early 1970's. He would spend a month or two vacationing at the cabin. Another source of Keith's enjoyment was spending time with his three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He loved them dearly.

Survivors include one son, Larry (Margie) Duren of Great Falls, Montana; one daughter, Patsy (Brent) Speight of Montgomery City; three grandchildren, Matt (Sara) Speight of Auxvasse, Scott (Laura) Duren of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Rachel (Jon) Wells of St. Peters; five great-grandchildren, Brandon, Lauren, and Tyler Speight, Brody Wells, and Vanessa Duren; one brother, Jim (Delores) Duren of Glasgow; one sister, Barbara Heisel of Brunswick; one sister-in-law, Wanda (Dale) Davis of Montgomery City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Duren, who passed away on March 4, 1987; four brothers, R. D., Floyd, Bernard, and Bill Duren; and two sisters, Martha Monnig and Janice Warford.

Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Montgomery City Senior Center. Both may be sent in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.