Durno, Edwin R. (Edwin Russell), 1899-1976

Edwin R. Durno (1899-1976), a physician and politician, was born in Linn County, Oregon, and educated at the University of Oregon and Harvard Medical School. He played for the Oregon Ducks basketball team and is a member of the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. Durno married Evelyn Baker and together they had three daughters.

He served in WWI and he was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in WWII. He returned from the war and set up a medical practice in Medford, Oregon. In 1934 he was one of the original incorporators of the Physicians Service Plan for people of moderate means. He served on the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners from 1947 to 1958. He also ran for public office in Oregon. In 1958 he was elected to the Oregon State Senate from District 5, Jackson County, and in 1960 was elected U. S. Congressman, 4th District, as a Republican. He served one term. In 1962 he entered the primary campaign for nomination as U. S. senator, but was defeated. In 1964 he was chairman of the Goldwater campaign in Oregon.