Dewey B. Durrett, 74, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 14th, in an automobile accident in Tewksbury, MA.
Dewey was born in Belington, West Virginia in 1929. In this small mountain community, he grew up a farmer’s son while attending the one room Watercamp School and being a member of Future Farmers of America. Dewey earned a BS from West Virginia University and a Masters in Economics from Umass Amherst in 1957. He retired a Lt. Colonel after more than 20 years of military service in the National Guard, the US Air Force and the US Air Force Reserves. Dewey was also a member of the American Legion in Elkins, WV.
Dewey loved flying. He was a Senior Captain for Delta Airlines and retired from the airlines after 28 years of loyal service. An active member of the Cessna 180-185 Club, he often held “fly-ins” on his farm in WV and was active with the Aircraft Owners’ and Pilots’ Association.
An avid traveler, Dewey and his wife enjoyed visiting many countries and locales around the world – from Taiwan and Thailand to Zambia and the North Pole. He was also dedicated to providing family and friends with the opportunity to experience different places – often transporting them in his own plane to interesting and exotic destinations.
Most recently, Dewey was involved in the creation of the Appalachian Plateau Museum on his farm in West Virginia which houses mounted big game trophies and other memorabilia collected during his lifetime of travel. Dewey was honored with the naming of Durrett Hall, a 300- seat conference room in the student center at West Virginia University. He was proud to be featured in Who’s Who in the World and Who’s Who in Real Estate.
Dewey is survived by: his wife of 45 years, Pauline (Stefanik) Durrett,
3 sons: Bryan of North Carolina Keith of Colorado Craig of Nashua
2 sisters: Margaret and Ella of West Virginia
1 brother: Jim of West Virginia
7 grandchildren
Calling hours are Sunday from 3-5 and 7-9PM at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. A Funeral Service will also be Sunday at 7PM at the funeral home. Cremation will follow.
Donations may be made to:Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society9844C Southern Pines Blvd.Charlotte, NC 28273
OR
Joslin Diabetes Center1 Joslin Place #520Boston, MA 02215