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John Durden Obituary
Mr. John D. Durden, 70, of Punta Gorda, Fla., and most recently of Wooster, died Friday, Sept. 5, at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Cleveland, following an extended illness.
It was his wish for cremation. Memorial services will be Thursday, 1 p.m. at Custer- Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster, with Pastor Brent Durham officiating. There will be a committal service at Hillside Memorial Park in Ellet (Akron) at 3:30 p.m. There will be no visitation. Memorial contribu tions may be made to the Choir Fund, c/o St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1671 W. Market St., Akron, Ohio 44313.
He was born Jan. 18, 1933, in Akron to Frank and Jessie (Thorn) Durden, and since 1989 he had divided his time between Florida and the Akron area, currently hav ing homes in Punta Gorda, Fla., and Wooster, Ohio. Mr. Durden was a 1955 graduate of Bald win-Wallace College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French, Eng lish, and music, and a 1963 graduate of Kent State University with a master's degree in curricu lum and supervision. Additionally, he studied at the University of Akron, Ohio, Ohio State University, and West Chester State University in Pennsylvania. Studies in foriegn languages took him to the universities of Poitiers, Dijon, and Paris, France, and to Javeriana University in Bogota, Columbia. He taught French and English in the Akron City Schools from 1956 to 1970 and from 1971 to 1972. During the 1970-1971 school year, he taught American literature and French in the bi-national school in Bogota, Columbia. In 1972, he was appointed to the position of foreign language curriculum specialist for Akron Schools, a post he held until his retirement in 1987. From 1984 to 1987, he was also the coordina tor for bilingual education. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Akron, the Ohio and Summit County Retired Teachers Associations, a life member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a men's profes sional music fraternity, emeritus member and past president of the Ohio Foreign Language Association, a member of Elliott Masonic Lodge in Canal Fulton, and a 32nd Degree Mason in the Akron Scottish Rite Consistory.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Barbara (Cecil) Murphy of Wooster, Ohio; a niece, Ms. Debra Kesling, and nephews, Richard (Connie) Murphy and Cecil R. Murphy, all of Wooster.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Durden
Sponsored by Barb Brownlee (BINGO), a friend.
Graduation June 1976 In their Rose Garden
Debra Murphy
November 13, 2014
March 5, 2014
My dearest Uncle, Thank you so much for your inspiration and all you did for me. I am retired from APS now, hard to believe how time passes. I wore Gramma's charm bracelet to Appellate court for good luck. I touch each and every charm from all the places you traveled too and think of all the good times you had and how much we always looked forward to you returning and the stories you would tell us, you opened my door to the rest of the world when all I knew was working on a farm.
I love and miss you...
Deborah Williams
March 3, 2014
An old student of mine at North High School in Akron just told me that Mr. Durden had passed in 2003. I am so sorry to hear this and I know I am years behind with this news. However, I student taught under him in the Fall of 1968. He was my resource teacher in my Senior year at the University of Akron. I taught his 9th and 10th grade French classes and he graded me for the university for the Fall, 1969 semester. He was a tough supervisory, but he taught me how to teach French and handle all those teenagers!! He then invited me to his home, with the Spanish teacher, Mrs. Parenti, for a French dinner after the semester was over in December. By the way, he gave me a grade of "A". I will never forget him and wish that I could have thanked him once again for his guidance that semester, his kindness and the dinner!!! May his family always be blessed and know that he was such a good, kind man. I will never forget how he helped me begin a positive French teaching career in 1968/1969. He crossed cultural lines to help me and I thank him!
Barb Brownlee
September 2, 2010
Hi JD,
Well in a few days it will be seven years that you have been gone. I can't believe how the time has gone by so quickly! I was just talking with Barb and she said to say she sends her Love, and that she misses you alot!
J/D. your always in my prayers dear friend. Tell God, Mozart, Christy I said hello!
Love,
Barb
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Barb Brownlee
December 24, 2008
Hi JD,
It's that time of year again! Cookies.
It's 3:45 A.M and I am finally done until Jan 2 when some more cookies have to go out for a Christmas party.
I talked with Barb the other day, and she sends her Love, and says hello. I made your favorite cookie JD whatevers and was thinking about you the hold time. Cecil passed away, but you probably already knew that! Barb went to West Virginia for a few weeks and had a good time.
I really miss your Special sense of humor!
Take Care, and Merry Christmas!
Tell God I said hello.
Love,
Barb 1 and Barb 2
Debbie Murphy
September 3, 2008
Dear Uncle Jack,
I miss you more now than ever before. Jess is back to Houston, but no longer in ESL. I think it is so ironic that her first assignment was Spanish ESL and that she loved band all the way through college. Those are definately talents that she got from you, they say things skip generations, and those interests certainly did not come from me.
I know that Brent and now Dad are there with you and all of you are watching over me and Mom and Mrs. B. I miss all of you so much I can hardly stand it, it feels like my heart will never be whole again. Just know I LOVE and MISS all of you!
Barbara Brownlee
September 2, 2008
Hi JD,
I can't believe that it will be 5 years this Friday that you have been gone. I miss your laughter and your sense of humor so much. I talk with Barb at least once a week. JD you died too young! It's September and it would be the time of year that you would be heading back to florida. You and Motzart are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Barb
Barbara Brownlee
May 22, 2008
Well Jd
This time now you would be going up north for the summer. You are in my prayers nightly. And I miss you dear friend. I can still remember your laugh when ever I messed up (on purpose) just to get a laugh out of you.
Take care dear friend, and tell God I said hello.
Love,
Bingo
December 26, 2007
Hi JD,
Today is December 26, 2007. I finally made your favorite cookies and sent them to Cecil and Barb for Christmas this year! Merry Christmas dear friend and a Happy New Years'. I miss you so much!
I told Barb that I was going to write to you and she said make sure that he knows that I got those special cookies of his finally! Take care and God Bless
Barb, Qew and Barb
Debbie
April 12, 2007
My Dearest Uncle,
I have not written because you already know how rough times have been since we lost you. I realize now, just how much I depended on you for my professional mentoring, I did not have any one else to look to for any type of example. I know now that I would not have become the person or teacher that I was if it had not been for you. I will never forget the make-shift desk you gave me in the basement made from sticky contact paper on a door when I started college at 17.
Well, I am finishing up now, and Jessica is starting, our 4th generation in education. It is neat to be collegues as well as mother/daughter, she just got her Praxis results-199 & 193 out of 200-Dean's List, Band Secretary and Sorority Parlamentarian. She plans to student teach in Houston in the fall and she will be finished, she is much more like you, than me,reads classics, cultured, does not say much, but authoritative when she does. She will love to be able to travel someday. I surely wish I could send her to Paris for graduation. YOU WOULD BE JUST AS PROUD OF HER AS I AM. PLEASE TELL EVERYONE THERE ALL ABOUT HER, ESPICIALLY GRANDMA AND GRANDPA AND LOOK UP MY FRIEND BRENT, YOU TWO MAY BE GOOD FRIENDS, SEE YOU SOON.
I LOVE you and I miss you=NOTHING=is the same!!!
Barb Brownlee
April 8, 2007
Hi JD,
Today is Easter Sunday, and I just wanted to send my blessings to you dear friend. I talked with Barb last night and she sounds good and misses you alot! Your on my mind alot JD. This time of year you would be heading back up North.
Take Care JD and tell God I said Hello!
Love,
Bingo and Barb
Barbara Brownlee
December 24, 2006
December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas dear friend. I talked with Barb Friday night and told her that I was coming in to sign your book again. She told me to tell you that she misses you, and loves you alot. I miss and love you alot JD.
I made your favorite cookies today! Boy do I miss our talks, and laughs.
Love Barb and Qew-Qew and Barb
Barb Brownlee
December 25, 2005
Hi JD,
Today is Christmas 2005 and you have been in my thoughts alot. I spoke with Barb and told her that I was putting a message in here from all of us.
Merry Christmas JD. Tell Christy, Mo, Shy Shy, Tiger, and Smokey I send my love to all of you. And miss all of you so very much!
It is really hard on me in September because I am always wishing that you were coming down here. I know in my heart that you see these messages. God has a way of doing special things. I really miss you more than words can say dear friend.
Take Care,
Love,
Barb, and Miss Qew, Barb M. and Cecil
Barb Brownlee
May 3, 2004
Hi J.D.
I was just sitting here at the computer and I wanted to send you a note to tell you how much I miss you!
Tell God I said," that he took you away too soon!"
I miss you friend!
Love,
Bingo
Debbie Murphy-Kesling
December 29, 2003
Uncle Jack,
Christmas just was not right this year... As Barb said, you were usually in Florida, but I guess not sending you anything, (even if I was usually late), and not getting your birthday planned just set everyhting off on the wrong pace.
I kept remembering the year you tricked me as a child. You wrapped a huge box in the beautiful manner that only you could duplicate knowing I would beg and beg on Christmas Eve,,, when I did, you replied we could open ONE on the condition that you got to choose it. I was soooo excited when you told me to open THE largest one under the tree. As I had been taught I removed each item slowly holding it up for everyone to see, smiling and admiring it, trying to express my JOY---it was a CARE package as you called it from my Great Aunt Lula--hand me down clothes---that were at least 50 years old......We are all still laughing about my expressions 40 years later.
I LOVE you, think of you everyday, and MISS you bunches!!!
Barb Brownlee
December 24, 2003
John,
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas! Right now you would be sitting at our dining room table having dinner with us. I really miss you alot dear friend. Yesterday I got a package from your sister Barb. It was a goodie package that she sent to you every year! When I saw the return address I started to cry. I really miss our talks and friendship alot!
God be with you and Merry Christmas!
Love Always,
Barb
Gilda Sferrella Pace
December 21, 2003
I am surprised and a little taken aback by the death of John. I not only taught with him at Goodyear Jr High but we were friends after my teaching years ended. The last time I had seen him he was still in Uniontown and looking great. Had I known that he was at the Clinic, I would have stopped in to see him. Another friend to keep in mind and spirit. My condolences to his sister and niece and nephews. I am sure you will miss him as he always spoke. He spoke highly of all of you and was proud of you.
Ed Pullekins
September 16, 2003
I am sadden of learning of the death of John. John was a great teacher who did his best to get his students to reach for the stars.
May God bless John. I know that all of us who knew him will always remember the positive influence John had on each of our lives.
Barbara & Bill Cunliffe
September 15, 2003
It was with a profound sense of loss that we learned of John's passing. The first meeting was in 1958 at Goodyear Junior High School. The friendship grew from that time forward, although, geographically, we lived worlds apart. John came to us in Brasil, Colombia, Mexico and Knoxville. We went to John in North Canton, Deland, FL, and Punta Gorda, FL. He knew and nurtured our children. We knew all the dogs, including Mozart and Jazz. There were so many shared experiences: the gourmet meals, the foreign cuisines, the Spanish and Portugues languages, the daytrips to points of interest in South America and Mexico, the combing through foreign markets in search of local treasures, and, always, the music. Our lives will be forever intertwined with John's in a medley of cultures, languages, and magical moments. John, thanks for the enduring friendship, and thanks for the memories. We will miss you in so many ways, especially your quick wit and your wonderful sense of humor. You were always a true and loyal friend. Barbara and Bill Cunliffe
Dan Erslan
September 11, 2003
I have been moved to tears on several occasions when I have recalled John's singing of "The New Jerusalem" during an Easter Assembly at Goodyear Junior High School, around 1961 or 1962. It was beautiful. May God rest his soul and comfort all those who mourn his passing.
Ray Heichelbech
September 11, 2003
I also was a student of Mr. Durden @ Goodyear Jr. High - 56-57 School Year
Judith Adams
September 10, 2003
ALSO A STUDENT OF MR. DURDEN @ GOODYEAR JR. HIGH (1960 SOMETHING)
What a great teacher, he made French
exciting and fun.
Debbie Murphy-Kesling
September 10, 2003
My Uncle Jack graduated from college the year after I was born. He was always there for holidays and family gatherings, sometimes he evan did the cooking. (Dad-I think the homemade pumpkin ice cream was his idea) He brought gifts to me on the farm from foreign lands. Inspired me to avoid foreign language so he could not drill me on Sundays. He was sometimes stern, his frown was enough to make me behave, but he mellowed over the years. When it came time for me to do my student teaching he did a little name dropping to help me get the best supervising teacher in Akron. Encouraged and helped me in every way possible to become the best that I could be. We shared our family and our profession and I was fortunate enough to be there as he left us. His rewards were awaiting him and his legacy is all over the world in the many people he inspired including my wonderful daughter at BGSU that is following in his foot steps.
Faith Andrus
September 10, 2003
John - you will be greatly missed. Your enthusiasm and interest in Foreign Languages have inspired many. Thanks for your guidance throughout the years.
Jessica Kesling
September 10, 2003
Uncle Jack,
You were much of my inspiration to go to college and study languages. When I heard you speak of taking students to France and showing them all that there was to see, I knew that was what I wanted to do. In studying music, french, and literature, I always wanted to be just like you. I miss you terribly, but your memory is always going to be a guiding light in my heart.
Judy Kelley
September 10, 2003
I worked for Mr. Durden for many years as a secretary at Akron Public Schools. He was not only a very intelligent man, but had a wonderful sense of humor that I will never forget. He was very helpful in guiding us in our move to Florida. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Barbara Molnar
September 9, 2003
John,
My first year of teaching French in Akron was 1972, the same year that you began as curriculum specialist. You were such a wonderful inspiration to me in my early years of teaching French and you created a program in Akron that was viewed as one of the best in the nation. You will be missed by anyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing you.
Amities,
Barbara Molnar
Don Harper
September 9, 2003
STUDENT OF MR DURDEN @ GOODYEAR JR. HIGH 1962
John & Barbara Brownlee
September 9, 2003
JD,
I will miss your laughter the most!
I will also miss all the times I mispronounced a word(On PURPOSE) and you being the Great Educator, corrected me! I will miss our private jokes. On Friday September 5, 2003 I lost my Best Friend. Tell Motzart and Chirsty up in Heaven, that I send my Love!
I Love you Dear Friend,
Barb (BINGO) :-)
Juana Donatelli
September 9, 2003
I worked with John many years ago and respected his talents and abilities. I accompany you in your grief.
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