OBIT: Edward Benton DURST, 1944, of interest in Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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EDWARD BENTON DURST

  Edward Benton Durst, son of Michael Wakefield Durst and Matilda Cathrine 
(Fuller) Durst, both deceased, died at the home of his son, Claude R. Durst, in 
La Belle, Pa., Oct. 12, 1944.
  He was born Aug. 17, 1867, in Garrett County, Maryland.  At the time of death 
he was aged 77 years, 1 month and 25 days.
  He was married twice.  His first wife was Charlotte Cramer.  To this union 
were born eleven children.  After his first wife's death, he married Sarah May 
Fresh.  To this union were born three children.  The second wife is also 
deceased.
  Five children survive him - George J. Durst, Mrs. William Falinger, Mrs. 
Sherman Durst, Russel O. Durst, and Claude R. Durst.  Also surviving are 29 
grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
  Mr. Durst spent most of his life in Maple Glen, Elk Lick Township, Somerset 
County.  He was a loyal member of the church council for many years and served 
as secretary of the council for twenty-one years.  He also served as secretary 
of the joint council of the Addison-Confluence Lutheran Parish.  He was a 
teacher of the adult Bible class for a number of years, a member of the building 
committee that planned the present sanctuary of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  As 
a member of that committee he laid the corner stone and built the foundation 
wall.
  He was a stone-mason by trade and there is many a monument of his handicraft 
attesting to the excellence of his work.  Mr. Durst was a man of giant stature 
and an outstanding figure in any company.  He was of friendly disposition and 
his companionship was always enjoyed by all who knew him.  His home was always 
noted for its hospitality and was the scene of many social gatherings.
  During his latter years it was his custom to hold an annual picnic and reunion 
of his kinsmen and friends at his home place on some Sunday in the fall of the 
year.  These gatherings were always largely attended and greatly enjoyed.  
Besides the feasting there was always a good program of entertainment by local 
talent.  The last of these reunions over which it was his pleasure to act as 
host and master of ceremonies was held on last Sept. 3rd.  He will be greatly 
missed from the community in which he spent most of his long life.
  Funeral services were conducted on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the St. 
Paul Lutheran Church by his pastor, Rev. Jerome V. Guss, preceded by a short 
service at the home of his son, George J. Durst.  Burial was made in the church 
cemetery.

Meyersdale Republican, October 19, 1944