Jerry W Durway

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Carolyn (Gustely). daughter Emily, son Stephen, and granddaughter Hannah. He is also survived by maternal aunt Juanita Gibbens of Phoenix, AZ, cousins Barbara Stones and David Gibbens also of Phoenix, Robert Durway of Ft. Worth, TX and Daniel (Flo) Durway of Raleigh NC., as well as sisters in law Phyllis Gustely (Richard) of Atlanta, GA., Ann Gustely (Robert) of Asheville, NC and West Haven CT, niece Erin (Brian) Golrick of Hambden CT, and nephew Andrew Gustely of Portland, OR.

Jerry was born June 30, 1934 in Ft. Worth, TX, to Withers L. and Ezda (Hess) Durway. They preceded him in death as did his brother Charles L. Durway. Jerry grew up in Ft. Worth, graduated from the University of TX in Austin with a degree in Chemical Engineering, and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Jerry worked mainly in the fields of information systems, finance and international business, often traveling throughout the world to study investment opportunities for his employers.

Jerry and Carolyn met in Boston, married in Akron in1964 and lived in Boston, Cleveland, NY City, Austin, TX, and the Baltimore/Washington D. C. area. They enjoyed traveling together in the U.S., Hawaii, Europe, Mexico and South America. After Jerry retired in 2002, they moved back to Akron.

Jerry had a keen intellect, amazing memory, a quick wit and was a great storyteller. Jerry was a lifelong Presbyterian, serving as elder in several churches and was currently a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Akron. With his financial and accounting skills, he mentored start-up companies in both TX and MD and volunteered with the AARP tax preparation program in Akron. He enjoyed theater and acted in community theater groups in TX. He also loved classical music, especially symphony orchestra concerts in NYC and Baltimore, as well as Tuesday Musical concerts in Akron. Jerry also loved trains, mountains, golf, good food, good books, puzzles and pets (several beloved cats and Golden Retrievers.)

During Jerry's last ten years he battled serious health problems, but he continued to enjoy his family, church, concerts, nature and limited travel. For the past few years he resided at The Merriman nursing facility, where he received warm care and friendships which his family greatly appreciated.

A memorial service and celebration of life for Jerry will be held at 1:30 pm. Saturday, September 13, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1250 West Exchange St., Akron, OH 44313. A light reception will follow the service at the church. Cremation has taken place, with a family interment service at Rose Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Jerry W. Durway Memorial Fund for Peacemaking and Justice in the PCUSA, c/o Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Tuesday Musical Association, One South Main Street, Suite, 301, Akron, OH 44308.