American Legion Riders Escort One of Their Own

Man who honored deceased veterans is buried with a tribute of his own
The New Mexican
By Robert Nott
Sep 12, 2015

Looking over the large assembly, the Rev. Franklin Pretto-Ferro said, “Ernie had such a sense of humor that if he saw this many people gathered for the service, he would say, ‘You better take up a collection.’ ”

After serving in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, Edwin “Ernie” Durr dedicated much of his life to helping other veterans. The Santa Fe native served in various veterans organizations. But he took special pride in honoring veterans who passed away, serving in funeral details up to five days a week and at times presenting the flag to the loved ones left behind.

On Sept. 3, Durr, 67, was returning with a detail from a veteran’s funeral when he died after losing control of his motorcycle on Interstate 25. A week later, hundreds of people, including a number of military veterans, showed up to say goodbye to him.

“He loved escorting service members who had passed away,” said Kenny “Scooter” Keelin, who, like Durr, was a member of the state-chartered American Legion Riders, a veterans group that provides motorcycle escorts for military funeral processions. “It meant almost the world to him.”

Keelin said Durr’s road name was “Oops,” so chosen after Durr led fellow Legion Riders down the wrong road during a funeral escort.
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Durr Funeral