Marion D. DuRant, Sr. (Son), 94, of Titusville, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026. He was born in Florence, South Carolina, to the late James and Mary DuRant.

Marion met the love of his life, Mary Sue, while attending college at the University of South Carolina, where he graduated at the top of his class in engineering. They were married on August 4, 1955, in Chesterfield, South Carolina, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned more than 61 years. Shortly after marrying, they lived in Baltimore, Maryland, where Sue worked as a third-grade teacher and Marion was employed as a Stress Analyst with the Glenn L. Martin Company. The couple later relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they were blessed with two children, their son Dwight and daughter Susie.

In 1966, Marion moved to Titusville, Florida—originally intended to be a one-year assignment for McDonnel-Douglas Aeronautics Corporation—to work on the Titan and Apollo Space Programs. That move became permanent, and Marion and Sue proudly remained in the same home for 60 years. During his distinguished career, Marion served as the engineer responsible for the payload fairings on the Titan and the Apollo Spaces Programs, contributing to one of the most historic achievements in American space exploration. He was recognized multiple times by the United States Air Force and McDonnell Douglas for his exemplary work and accomplishments.

Marion was a man of God and a devoted family man who cherished time spent with his loved ones. One of his greatest qualities was his ability to engage in conversation with anyone, regardless of their age or interests. As a result, neighbors and friends frequently gathered in his front yard for conversation and friendship. He was an active member of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church and enjoyed serving his community in many ways. For over 10 years, he coached his son’s baseball teams at Indian River City Little League. He mentored many young men and made lasting impacts beyond baseball. He was also a member of the Titusville Elks Lodge. Along with his wife, he belonged to La Cita Golf and Country Club, where they especially enjoyed golfing and socializing.

From his childhood days in Bishopville, he was an avid outdoorsman, Marion loved hunting and fishing, and he was a loyal fan of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. He also had a deep affection for animals and dearly loved his dogs.

Marion’s life was marked by faith, dedication to family, service to his country in the Air Force Reserves, and a quiet pride in a job well done. He will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Marion is survived by his son, M. Dwight DuRant Jr. and wife Donna, daughter Mary Sue “Susie” Gibson and husband Mike, grandchildren Jenny Briggs (Chris), Lindsey Brooks (Shawn), Emily Mealey (Bobby), James DuRant (Maggy), Melinda Hawkins (Nathan), and James Gibson (Paxton) and 13 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Sue DuRant (Sowell), parents James Marion and Mary Shaw DuRant, and sister Roberta Swearingen (George).

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in Titusville.

In lieu of flowers the family requested donations be made to Health First Hospice

https://www.hf.org/healthcare-home/departments-services/hospice