Walter Dawson Durden JR

Walter Dawson Durden, Jr., passed away peacefully in the presence of his beloved daughter while watching the timeless classic “Casablanca,“ one of his favorite films. He was 92. Dawson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 29, 1932, to Walter Dawson Durden and Mary Bobo Gibson Durden. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating from North Fulton High School in 1953. He then studied medicine at Emory University Medical School on an Army scholarship. During this time he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Queener of Wilmington, Delaware, in 1956. He affectionately referred to her as “Queenie” and they remained married until her passing in 2022. Dawson and Barbara lived in multiple cities during his time in the military; he also served a year in Vietnam in 1963-1964. A daughter, Catherine, was born in San Francisco in 1958, followed by a son, David, in Philadelphia in 1965. The family eventually settled in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where Dawson went into private practice as a gastroenterologist in Honolulu, Hawaii. During the second half of life, Dawson’s Christian faith played an increasingly important role in his life. He enjoyed fellowship and exchange with people from various walks of life and from all over the world. He was fond of reciting Psalm 23. Dawson spent his final years in his home in Tallahassee, Florida, with Queenie and in the care of his daughter, Cathy, and nearby son, David, and his family. He was well cared for and made as comfortable as possible during this time. Tender, kind, compassionate and loving, Dawson had a winning smile and a good sense of humor. He enjoyed recounting history, telling stories and hearing children laugh. He loved and cared for his family very much and will be missed. Dawson was predeceased by his wife, Barbara (2022) and only brother, Milner Gibson Durden (2024). He is survived by his daughter, Cathy, his son, David (Aimee), and grandchildren: David Junior, Jonathan, and Amanda. Like Queenie, Dawson requested a simple cremation and no service. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Darlene, his wonderful caregiver, as well as Big Bend Hospice, and the caring doctors, nurses, and staff at Westminster Oaks, Tallahassee, and also to Young-fulford for their services.

Walter Dawson Durden JR

June 20, 1932 - January 20, 2025