Durand Leo DL Ellliott's Obituary
Durand Leo D L Elliott
July 19, 1928 – November 06, 2011
D.L. Was born July 19, 1928 in Upshur County, Texas to Leo and Vola Elliott. He was named for a Baptist preacher, Durand Bonner, and his father, Leo. D.L. Graduated from Lufkin High School in 1945. He started his career as a projectionist for East Texas Theatres. Later he managed the Texan Theatre & Pines Theatre in Lufkin. Throughout his career D.L. Also managed theatres in Orange, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Henderson & Longview. When he retired, D.L. Had advanced to Vice President for Martin Theatres.
Among many of his loves was music. D.L. Played in bands with his brothers in their earlier years. In the late 1990's, D.L. Was made an honorary member of the Light Crust Doughboys.
Another love was law enforcement. He served as a Lieutenant in the first Gregg County Sheriffs Reserve and was honored with becoming a Special Texas Ranger in 1972.
D.L. Married the love of his life, Lessie DeSpain on August 08, 1950, in Lufkin, Texas. Together they raised two children, Thomas and Sharon.
D.L. Was preceded by his father and mother. Survivors include his wife Lessie Elliott, son Thomas Elliott, and wife Joyce, of Bedford, Texas, daughter Sharon Leigh Elliott Shaw and husband, Kerry, of Longview, Texas, grandsons Thomas Durand & Jimmy Dale Elliott, Granddaughters Leslie Shaw Branca, Ashley Shaw Thomas, Cassidy Shaw Dzenowski, Great-grandson Ashton Ryan Thomas and great-granddaughters Christa Anne Thomas , Keira Marie Dzenowski & Kaitlyn Elliott, brothers Gerald, Austin, & Aubrey Elliott. Sisters Mavonee Kendrick & Melba Dean Deanie Adams.
Services will be held at Rader Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Entombment will follow in Rosewood Park Mausoleum.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation.
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