W. E. Durham Meets Death In Unusual Way
Friends of W. E. Durham, who for several years had been local lineman and repair worker for the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company, were shocked to hear of his death, which occurred Thursday evening of last week under most unusual circumstances. Mr. Durham had been about his work as usual. He was sitting at his desk late in the afternoon at the central exchange when he was suddenly seized with an illness. He fell to the floor, striking his right temple and side of the head with such force that the skull was fractured. Another employee who was near by secured help and Mr. Durham was rushed to the St. Helens hospital, where he died shortly after seven o'clock, having never regained consciousness.
Mr. Durham, who was 42 years of age, had been employed by the telephone company twenty-two years, most of the time as a lineman. He was highly rated by his employers. All who knew him locally and had from time to time had occasion to use his services found him always most courteous and obliging. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mildred S. Durham and a young daughter, who is about three years of age.
Funeral services were held at the Boone Mortuary Monday afternoon, Rev. Carl Johnson of the Christian church officiating. Burial was at Claquato. The Masons were in charge of the graveside services.
Source: The Chehalis Bee-Nugget, Friday, 8 January 1932 page 4. Microfilm available at Washington State Library, 6880 Capitol Boulevard South, Tumwater, Washington 98512
Transcribed by Kathryn Lester. She has no further information on this individual.