Clinton Durst passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Fredericksburg, Texas at the age of 92 years. He was born and grew up in the Fly Gap Community. In 1944 he graduated from Mason High School and immediately upon graduation enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps. He was on a boat bound for Japan when the Armistice was signed. On August 29, 1948, he married Anna Grace Kidd. They made their home together in Mason County for 63 years, living almost all those years on the family ranch in Fly Gap.

Upon completing military service, Clinton was grateful to return to the hills of Fly Gap and began ranching with his father. He was actively engaged in ranching, which he loved, until the end of his life. Ranching, family, friends, community, and church were important to him, and he had many stories to tell about all these facets of his life. Clinton was a hard worker who had a passion for life and lived it fully to the end.

He cared for his community and served on various community boards and committees, including the School Board and the USDA FAC Committee. He also served on the Board of Trustees, and in other capacities, at the Art United Methodist Church where, as he was pleased to recall, his grandmother, Lena Durst, had been a charter member.

Clinton is survived by his son, The Rev. Ted Durst and his husband, Mark Britt, of Chicago; his granddaughter, Mary Kemp, her husband, Brian Kemp, and their daughter, his great granddaughter whom he adored, Aubrey Kemp, of Round Rock; and a dear friend, Suzanne Bjork of Mason. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna Grace, his parents, Fred and Meta Durst, and his stepmother, Elizabeth Durst.

Services will be held at the Art United Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 24, with the service at 2:30 and the visitation to follow. Pastor Tim Farenthold will officiate. Interment will occur at a later date in the Art West Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the many persons in Mason and Gillespie counties, including members of the healthcare community, who supported, companioned and cared for Clinton in his later years.

Memorials may be made to the Art United Methodist Church or to Hill Country Memorial Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at masonfuneralhome.net.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home.