Bud Durnil, 98, of Elizabethtown, died Aug. 21, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who died peacefull at his home surrounded by three generations of his family.
Born on March 11, 1928, in Louisville, he was the youngest child and only son of C.H. and Edna Durnil.
He was a man of remarkable achievements and boundless enthusiasm, He graduated from Manual High School in December 1944 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served with distinction, documenting the burgeoning technology of surface-to-air missiles aboard the USS Mississippi. He always valued his experiences as a veteran and felt that his time in the Navy was a key turning point in him finding meaning and direction to his life. He remained a proud veteran and was honored recently as an Honor Quilt recipient by the Elizabethtown Disabled American Veterans Chapter auxiliary.
Supported by the GI Bill, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 1950 in banking administration and went on to receive his Doctorate in Medical Dentistry from the University of Louisville in 1956 after which he located to Elizabethtown to open private practice, first in Radcliff then Elizabethtown.
He dedicated his professional life to serving the community as a dentist, farmer, land developer, commercial property owner and mentor, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.
On Oct. 9, 1963, he married the love of his life, Patricia Sue Durnil, at Christ Episcopal Church in Elizabethtown, embarking on a journey of love and partnership that spanned over 63 years.
His life was a tapestry woven with diverse interests and commitments. He was a member of Southeast Christian Church, was a founding board member of Grace Heartland Church, life member of the Kentucky and American Dental Associations, a member of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club, and a dedicated mentor in Alcoholics Anonymous for over twenty years assisting others in their struggles with alcoholism and addiction.
His passion for the outdoors was unparalleled; he was an avid hunter, fisherman, and skier, who relished hiking and exploring the world’s wonders. After retirement he and Pat built a mountain home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, that he designed, and enjoyed both winters and amazing mountaintop summers for nearly 20 years overlooking the Yampa Valley where they could see the Flattop Mountains over 70 miles away.
At 79 years old, he and a friend hiked a 14,000 foot mountain in a day and he was still skiing expert runs on his 84 th birthday.
He and his wife traveled extensively, their adventures taking them across all seven continents, over 45 countries, every state in the US and crossing the equator at least eight times. Travel and adventure marked their lives while enriching them immeasurably. A man of wisdom and warmth, his gentle guidance and infectious smile will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His profound love for his family, his unwavering faith in the Lord, and his dedication to service defined a life well-lived.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Betty Ann Kendall and Martha Elliston.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Sue Durnil; one daughter, Kaki Bunch (Brian Hornback); three sons, John Durnil (Lynn), Gregg Durnil and Ed Durnil (Barbara); six grandchildren Leslie Bunch Curl, Jordan W. Conlee (Katie Haynes), Dr. Charles Bunch (Victoria), Kelli Bunch (Tyler Lancaster), Logan Durnil (Tylor) and Sarah Rigdon (Sam); and 13 great-grandchildren, Rylee, Emma, Maddie, Camden, Naomi, Emmett, Emma, Booker, Sawyer, Owen, Jett, Cody and Penelope.
The funeral was Friday Aug. 28, 2026, at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff.
The Durnil family extends heartfelt gratitude for the decades of personal healthcare and friendship to Dr. Phillip Johnson. Additionally, the family cherishes the VA palliative support group, Hospice of Central Kentucky – particularly to nurse Ashley, and the compassionate caregivers from Visiting Angels—Brenda, Theresa, Justin, Keith, and Tina—whose dedication brought him comfort and generous support to Pat in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to one of the following – E.H. and Patricia Durnil Scholarship Fund through the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, the Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter or Honor Flight of Central Kentucky.
Trowbridge Funeral Home in Elizabetown was in charge of arrangements.
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