Father D. Kent Durig

FATHER D. KENT DURIG, a devoted priest of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston who faithfully served the Church and her people for nearly three decades, passed away on December 19, 2025. Fr. Kent was born on March 23, 1956, in New Martinsville, West Virginia, one of three children born to the late Donald Eugene and JoAnn Simms Durig. From an early age, he felt a calling to serve God and His Church, a vocation that would guide his entire life. He attended St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he completed his undergraduate and theological studies. Fr. Kent was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1993, by Bishop Bernard W. Schmitt at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling, West Virginia. Following his ordination, Fr. Kent’s priestly ministry touched many parishes throughout the Diocese. He served as associate pastor at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Weirton from 1993 to 1995. In 1995, he was priest in residence at St. Alphonsus, St. Ladislaus, and St. Mary parishes in Wheeling. From 1995 to 1998, he served as pastor of Annunciation of Our Lord Parish in Fort Ashby and St. Anthony Parish in Ridgeley. In 1998, Fr. Kent returned to Weirton as pastor of Sacred Heart of Mary Parish, where he served until 2010. During his tenure, he led a significant renovation and beautification of the church, leaving a lasting legacy for the parish community. From 2010 to 2019, he served as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Stonewood, where he once again guided a renovation and beautification project, reflecting his deep reverence for sacred spaces. Later in his ministry, Fr. Kent served as priest in residence at the Clara Welty Apartments LC in Wheeling for over a year. He retired from active ministry in 2021, having faithfully answered God’s call with dedication, humility, and pastoral care. Fr. Kent was preceded in death by his parents, and his nephew C. Michael Hickman. He will be remembered with love by his brother, Todd Durig of New Martinsville, West Virginia; his sister, Nanette Raber and her husband, Thomas, also of New Martinsville; niece, Carrie (Thomas “T.J.” ) Haught; step-niece, Stephanie Corathers; his good friend of twenty years, Joe Keaton , and his aunt who helped care for him through the years, Michelle Mason along with several great nieces and nephews, brother priests, and countless faithful whose lives he touched. On Monday, December 29, 2025, the reception of Fr. Kent’s body took place at Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Weirton, followed by visitation. A Vigil Service immediately followed, with the Very Reverend Donald X. Higgs, V.E., V.F., serving as presider and homilist. On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, visitation was held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling. The Funeral Mass followed, celebrated by the Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan, Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, as presider and homilist, with diocesan priests concelebrating. A luncheon was held in the Chancery following the Mass. Fr. Kent was laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville, WV, beside his parents. Fr. Kent’s arrangements were under the care of the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston and Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Weirton. In life, Fr. Kent loved his animals. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to your local animal shelter. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com.