CRESTVIEW — The late Durell Peaden is now known as more than a beloved country doctor and hard-working former state senator who sought to bring quality healthcare education to Crestview.
He is now, officially, Crestview’s Favorite Son.
Mayor David Cadle made the proclamation during Monday’s ceremony naming the Florida A&M University Rural Diversity Healthcare Center's downtown building in Peaden’s honor.
“Dr. Peaden’s character, devotion, Christian faith, and commitment to his family and Crestview have endeared him to all who knew him,” Cadle said during the proclamation.
“It takes one person with a vision who is steadfast and never takes ‘no’ for an answer to make things happen,” Cadle said later Monday in a report to the City Council.
City Councilman Joe Blocker said he received much positive feedback following the mayor’s proclamation, including assurances from FAMU administrator and students that Peaden’s visions for the city would be fulfilled.
“I want to echo what the mayor said,” Blocker said. “I talked to many people who worked with Dr. Peaden and they said, ‘Mr. Blocker, we are not going to let his ideas die.’”
“He was one of the city of Crestview, Florida’s, greatest citizens,” Cadle said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Peaden named Crestview's Favorite Son