The clipping in the Chico, CA newspaper read "On August 10, 1930 an embryo policeman was born to Police Officer C.G. Thomas and wife". Thus began Durwood Thomas' life & career in law enforcement.



Durwood moved with his family to Oregon City when he was young, and he lived his entire life here except for his military service. He graduated from Oregon City High School and attended Northwest Christian College & Portland State before becoming a deputy sheriff for Clackamas County in 1952.



Durwood was called to military service by the US Army in 1954. After basic training, he was sent to join occupation forces in Germany. He married Priscilla Hutchins during his leave, and she joined him there. Durwood & Priscilla lived with a German family. They traveled throughout Europe while living in Germany visiting 10 countries.



After his discharge, Durwood returned to the Clackamas County Sheriff's office, continuing with his education at Portland State. He became an investigator for the Clackamas County District Attorney's office. To expand his experience, Durwood became an attendance officer for the Clackamas County Schools. During this time, he received his AAS degree from Clark College. Durwood then attended Oregon College of Education in Monmouth, OR earning his Bachelor's & Master's Degrees in Corrections. Durwood then joined the staff at Clackamas Community College where he taught for 8 years, the last 4 serving as department chairman. Portland Community College then recruited him as the lead instructor in Law Enforcement for 11 years.



Durwood loved to travel and his teaching career allowed him the opportunity to travel each summer. While visiting foreign countries, Durwood learned & observed their law enforcement systems. He was very interested in geneology and he & Priscilla traced his family back to 1800. Durwood found and visited his first cousins in England & New Zealand.



After retiring in 1994, Durwood & Priscilla continued to travel, enjoying the friendships they made around the world. At home he loved boating with his family. Durwood had a love for airplanes and had his pilot's license. He was an avid gun collector and proud of his collection. He loved routing redwood signs many of which can still be seen in the Oregon City area. All that knew Durwood know that he loved to garden and grew extra vegetables to deliver to his friends, "goodie bags" as he called them. Durwood was known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor.



Durwood was proud to have served as an escort for John F. Kennedy when he visited Oregon in 1960. When visiting England, Durwood was part of the civilian police guard for Queen Elizabeth when she visited Southampton.



Durwood is survived by his wife & the love of his life, Priscilla whom he was married to for 57 years. His four children, Steven, Rebecca, Michelle, and Todd. Three grandchildren, Melissa, Ashley, and Luke. One great granddaughter, Kennedy Anne. His two sisters, Jean Fassler & Vernice Keuss.



He will be remembered for his integrity, sense of humor, love of family & friends, and love for his Lord.



An anonymous poet once wrote, "May your journey be long, and may it be good". Durwood's definitely was!


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