John Durden Obituary

John A. Durden, Jr

July 7, 1928 - March 9, 2017

Raleigh

John A. Durden, Jr. age 88, died on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Transitions Life Care in Raleigh, North Carolina from complications of a decade-long battle with Parkinson's disease. He most recently resided at Brighton Garden in Raleigh, where he busied himself writing, and in his off hours, cruising the hallways in his motorized wheelchair, singing hymns and Gilbert and Sullivan musical numbers. Residents and staff tolerated the singing, and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Patsy, now a single mother left to finish raising their five grown children; his son Phil (Rebecca) of South Haven MI, his daughter Sara Rooker of Raleigh NC, his son Tom (Gwen) of Collierville TN, his son Paul (Robin) of Bartlett TN, his daughter Anne Doman (Joe) of Raleigh NC, and his brother, Edward L. Durden (Royce) of Chattanooga, TN. He also leaves behind a passel of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all whom love him dearly.

A memorial service for John will be held at Trinity Baptist Church on Saturday, March 25th at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held before the service at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Pardoned by Christ Ministry (pardonedbychrist.org), Transitions Life Care Hospice of Raleigh, or Trinity Baptist Church missions fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Mar. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Durden

Sponsored by City of Oaks Cremation.

8 Entries

Phil Woodrow

March 30, 2017

A trusted and talented colleague. Many great memories. God speed.

Wei Liang

March 23, 2017

I started my real research career in a corporation was under the mentorship of John at Union Carbide. His enthusiasm and devotion to science had a great impact on me. I may add, in all of my career in the chemical industry, I haven't seen another one like him. He held high standards for the group under his supervision, yet far from being in a forceful way. People felt motivated by his way of conducting his work. He cared a great deal of people and had a great interest in helping younger researchers to develop their career. He was always fair and kind.
He held a sunny attitude in life, which always affected those around him. His sense of humor was well known. So was his writing style in memos or reports. People at the Research Center of Union Carbide used to admirably call his writing Epistles According Durden. It was fluid, succinct, and always capturing the essentials in what he would like to convey. In that regard, many of us have learned much from him.
He was a devoted Christian, whom I admire a great deal. He raised a wonderful family. His daughter Sarah used to do babysitting for our young children. One can just imagine the warmth, love and fun exuded in his family life. Truly, his passing is a great loss to us and to the community. I shall always remember the kind and decent person he was and the role model he set before me.
Wei C.Liang ([email protected]), West Windsor, NJ

Beth Rickman

March 16, 2017

I have very fond memories of Dr. Durden from UCC, etc. I remember him as such a happy person. God's grace to the family through the coming days.
Numbers 6: 24-26
Beth Rickman

Horace johnson

March 16, 2017

Patsy and all the family, knowing and working with John is filled with great memories. The mention of his name brings a smile and a memory of his commitment and dedication to Union Carbide. He was fun and funny to be around. Those who worked with him and for him were made better for it. Know that we have you in our thoughts abd prayers as you mourn his passing

Horace Johnson
Apex NC

A Peter Kurtz

March 15, 2017

John Durden was my first boss in 1971 at the research labs of Union Carbide in South Charleston, WV... and then later in RTP. John was a very a very smart guy and had very high standards about doing science. But, more importantly, John was always fair, looked for the best in people, and had very high moral standards. I will be forever gratetful that John was my mentor and friend my entire professional career and since. The world was blessed indeed when John came into it.

Beverly Rooker-Fleming

March 14, 2017

Sara, Chris, and Meg, I am so sorry for the loss of a great father anda great grandfather, I say that, because of the people you are, so I know he raised a great daughter and she raised two wonderful kids, so I know his hands touched and made y'all the wonderful people you are....I didn't know Mr.Durden well, but I thank him for meeting my favorite, first sister-n-law, and having a smart and good looking first nephew, and my beautiful first red-headed niece....So I want to say Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Mr. Durden for the gift you gave me....

Dean Bushey

March 14, 2017

John was a real role model when I started by first job with Union Carbide in West Virginia many years ago. His enthusiasm for the job and concern for the people that worked for him has been a guide for me throughout my career. I owe a lot to John for getting me started on the right foot. A smart man, but more importantly, a really nice guy. Dean Bushey

Judith Jacob

March 14, 2017

I met john and pat only once or twice and saw how paul became the man my daughter married. They are wonderful people and heaven is honored to have john.
Judith aad jeff jacob

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