Ruston Brandon W. Durden, age 72, of Ruston, LA passed away on February 20, 2017 at North Louisiana Medical Center after a brief illness. A private family celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery.Brandon was born on March 25, 1944 in Ruston to William Watson and Sarah Gill Durden. He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Ruston, LA. After graduating from Ruston High School, he went to work in Singapore as a chief engineer on diesel engines in the South Pacific. Brandon was a lifelong member of the US Merchant Marines, working for Tidewater, Inc.Brandon retired to Ruston where he enjoyed the Ham radio. He was a member of the Piney Hills Amateur Radio Association. He was known as a wonderful mentor for young Ham operators. He was a huge supporter of the Louisiana School for the Blind. Everyone said Brandon had a huge heart of gold!Brandon is preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Kok Durden, his parents, and a brother, William Conrad Durden. He is survived by his nephew, William Conrad Durden, Jr. and wife, Olga, and great nephew, Bryan Durden of Albuquerque, NM; his niece, Jane Durden Moore and husband, Dr. Drew, and great niece and nephews, Victoria, Forest, and Wyatt Moore of Highland Village, TX; cousins: Ed Cooper and wife, Minette, of Benton, LA; Eugene Preaus and wife, Ann, of New Orleans, LA; Anne Brandon Cooper Dyer and husband, Ross, of Ferriday, LA; Thomas Rowland Cooper and wife Marcie, of Ponchatoula, LA; Genie Cooper Marsalis and husband, James, of Athens, LA; and Michael Gill and wife, Karon, of Land OLakes, FL.Planned memorials may be made to: Piney Hills Amateur Radio Association, 1412 E. Mississippi Avenue, Ruston, LA 71270.Online condolences may be made to the family @ www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.