October 7, 1938 – September 27, 2024
David John Werner, M.D. was born in Stamford, TX on Oct. 7, 1938, to Lily Granberry Werner and Walter Crowell Werner. He died in Shreveport on September 27, 2024, from complications of cardiac amyloidosis. He was 85 years old.
David spent his early childhood in Avoca, Texas. After World War II, his family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas where David was an active Boy Scout, attaining the highest rank of Eagle. David was captain of the football team and graduated Valedictorian of Wichita Falls Senior High School. He received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Rice University, his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and went on to complete his residency in pathology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School/Parkland Memorial Hospital. He served in the United States Airforce Medical Service at Maxwell Airforce Base in Montgomery, Alabama.
David met his beloved wife, Judith Donelson Jones, while he was a student at Rice, and they were married on July 7, 1962. In 1970, David and Judith moved their young family to Shreveport, Louisiana, where David entered the practice of pathology in partnership with Drs. Hank Stoer, Albert Hand and Edgar Galloway, soon after joined by Dr. Jerald Martin.
David was active in numerous medical, civic and social organizations. He served as president of the Shreveport Medical Society, Chairman of the Board of St. Mark’s Day School, President of the Shreve Syndicate, a member of the Parents Committee of Duke University, and numerous other roles. He represented Louisiana as a delegate to national pathology organizations. David particularly enjoyed serving on the LSU Medical School Admissions Committee and maintained close friendships with many younger physicians whom he met during the admission process.
David was an avid duck hunter who spent many wonderful evenings at duck camps throughout Louisiana and Arkansas, and he reveled in time with friends and family at his Yang Ming duck club in South Arkansas. David was devoted to his family, and he delighted in Judith’s ability to make every holiday an extraordinary celebration for all ages. “Old Dad,” as he was affectionately known by his grandchildren, especially loved his time with Judith, their children and grandchildren at the family beach house in Florida.
David is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judith, their children and their families: John Donelson Werner (Katherine Ballard) and John Donelson Werner Jr. and Thomas Westervelt Werner; Dr. Andrew McCarty Werner and his children, Henry Townsend Werner and Caroline McCarty Werner; David Addison Werner (Lexy Stratton) and David Stratton Werner and Jane Stafford Werner; and Mary Caffery Werner Brown (Lloyd Brown) and Tillman Augustus Brown and Mary Caffery Brown. In addition, David was admired and respected by a great many people who will miss him dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday October 4, 2024, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral with The Very Rev. Alston Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the church’s Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in David’s memory to the charity of your choice.