Walter Duane Obituary

I found an old history book of Charleston written in 1961. First person I thought of was Walter. He could have fact checked it for me. I miss his wisdom.

I pray for Walter frequently. He was a warm, kind and intelligent gentleman. He he is greatly missed.

Let us mourn the passing of Walter Duane, a Charleston gentleman and character (is that an oxymoron?). We will miss your stories of Charleston "back in the day."

May you find kindness to warm you, sympathy to comfort you, and cherished memories to bring peace to your heart.

Sorry I was unable to attend the funeral but my prayers are with the family and Walter.
Ronald & Pauline Povero, Past State Deputy

A true "Southern Gentleman ".

Debbie Darnell

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15.

Sending love to all my family and friends. Sorry I won't be present but hope Uncle Walter's passing will bring our family together in many new ways as Grandmother Duane always intended.
Remembered Walter's military service at mass today at St. Mary's of Annapolis when we sang out God Bless America and Eternal Father which ,of course, included the Marines verse. Semper Fidelis! Love and condolences to everyone.
Michele Duane Kelly and Family

Walter became a close family friend through our may contacts at The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. We have had many a deep conversation about religion and politics. I have learned the history of Charleston through his active involvement.
Walter invited my children and I into his home. He shared stories for hours of the strikes and civil rights movement with my daughter, for her term paper. He shared history and poetry with my son. Under the guise of a part time job helping him around the house Aaron learned about Charleston, religion, poetry and culture. He did not loose patience with them as teenagers. He encouraged them to think. For a man with no children of his own he was a wonderful role model for mine. At the age of 91 he attended my daughters sweet 16 formal in a white tuxedo because that is what you wear to a June formal.
We were truly blessed to have him in our family for the last 20 years. I will never forget the history and poetry he shared. Our last few visits were difficult as he lost his strength. He always welcomed me into his home and shared a kind word. Our last visit on the Thursday before he passed was a blessing his mind was still clear and his smile still welcoming.
Thank you for giving us so much inspiration. God Bless you. Rest in peace. Your Friend, Monica Mumme

Walter Duane was a close life long friend with my father. They grew up in Charleston during the Great Depression and enlisted in the Marine Corps during WWII. They were activated together during the Korean Conflict and spent many years involved with The Knights of Columbus and Catholic Church in Charleston.
Mr. Duane met me as an infant and is part of my earliest childhood memory. For the Korean call-up they were stationed at Camp Lejeune and we lived in Wrightsville Beach with another Charleston Marine, Mr. Joe Sheehan; they referred to themselves as "The Charleston Shanty Irish Marines". When on leave we would drive home to Charleston normally at night. On one such trip we had a flat tire. What I remember was holding a flashlight so Gunny(as I called Mr Duane at the time) and my Dad could see to change the tire. My mother was behind the car waving a flashlight to warn oncoming traffic. I can remember the ground moving and having a difficult time keeping the light still. Gunny and my Dad convinced me that I was doing good as they changed the tire. Years later they told me the location of the tire change. We were at the bottom of the curve in the middle of the Grace Memorial Bridge.
Growing up I would see Mr Duane frequently and he would always talk to me or tell a story. He's actually an answer to a common Pop Trivia question. I watched The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show with Father Berberich, Mr Duane and his nephew Bill in the TV room at the KofC Hall on Calhoun St. During my formative years He helped reinforce how not just a Southern But a Charleston gentleman conduct himself.
After moving to Chicago I would occasionally see him on trips back to Charleston. Usually I'd find him out strolling the streets checking on and enjoying his domain. As time went by trips became less frequent and usually centered around funerals. Mr Duane would always be at the wake offering condolences, encouragement and always a story. Several years after my Grandmother's passing I was back in Charleston for yet another funeral. I was sitting at Colonial Lake reflecting and who should walk by but Mr Duane. He welcomed me home and insisted I move back. He told me another story, I don't remember the details but it was surely a nugget of wisdom from a bog in Connemara coated with Charleston pluff mud. He thanked me for holding the flashlight and I thanked him for being my friend.
God bless you Gunny and may you rest in Peace. I'm honored to have known you.

I am sad to hear of Commissioner Duane's death. For a number of years I have had the great honor of serving with him on the Colonial Commons and Ashley River Embankment Commission and work toward the recent improvements to Colonial Lake. His humor and his great institutional memory will be sorely missed.

Mr. Duane was a man of faith, history, and Charleston charm. I will miss our annual tax meetings. 5% of the meeting was tax related, 95% was history lessons. He will be greatly missed.

"May the road rise to meet you, may the winds blow softly upon your fields, may the sun shine warmly upon your back and May God hold you in the palm of his hand" Irish blessing. We will miss you dearly Uncle Walter

As our Galway ancestors would say... At dheis De go raibh a anam dilis (May his sweet soul be at God's right hand). Rest In Peace Uncle Walter!

So sorry to lose Walter. He was a good neighbor to the Schirmer, Califf, and DeHaven families over his many years as a resident of Bull Street. His constant devotion to his faith in these past 10 years was like clockwork. Special thanks to Mary and the family who made his last year less stressfull.

Walter was a true Charleston Legend one whose company I always enjoyed and always learn something new from with every conversation. He will be missed and leaves a legacy to Charleston like no one else. God bless you Walter rest in peace.

I am so happy that I met him, several years ago, at his birthday celebration on Sullivan's Island. He certainly enjoyed a full life. RIP Walter and my condolences to the Duane family.