Edward R. Durree, 66, of Peoria passed away at 5:12 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria after an ongoing fight with cancer, surrounded by his loving family, including his two children, two sisters, his ex-wife, best friends and his beloved dog, Cloe.

Ed was born on June 2, 1949, in Streator, Ill., to John Reynold and Gladys Lucille (Birtwell) Durree.

Surviving are his two children, Sara Elizabeth Durree and Benjamin Ray (Kristina) Durree, both of Peoria; one grandchild; and his two sisters, Rebecca Manigold and Jane Briner. Also surviving are his cherished nieces and nephews, whom he loved very much.

Ed graduated from Streator Township High School as a prominent athlete and excelling academic. His time at school was surmised by a close friend as, "a good athlete and a good kid." Following high school, he excelled and graduated from the University of Illinois with honors in 1971. He attended and graduated from law school at Drake University with honors in 1975.

Ed joined the Peoria law firm of Strodel & Kingery, Association, in 1975, and became a partner in the firm of Strodel, Kingery & Durree, Association in 1978. He continued to practice civil litigation, including personal injury and medical malpractice litigation, in Peoria with the firm of Kingery, Durree, Wakeman & O'Donnell, Association until his death.

He was a member of the Peoria County and Illinois State bar associations, American College of Trial Lawyers, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, American Inns of Court, Abraham Lincoln Chapter (Master Emeritus) and the Drake Law Review (1973-1975) where he authored "Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 8: Recent Developments." He was president of the Peoria County Bar Association from 1994 to 1995 and enjoyed many years of a successful practice and representation in several high profile and pioneering cases.

Ed will be best remembered as a loving father, a fanatical Illinois football and basketball fan, avid fisherman, keen historian and a selfless friend to many.

Throughout his life, Ed prided himself on his global travels and, even toward the later stages of his illness, travelled to Sydney, Australia, to spend Christmas and ring in the New Year with his daughter.

Services have been held. Memorials may be made to PAWS.