Alex F. Durlauf, owner of the Durlauf Music Shop, died at 5:45 p.m. yesterday at Jewish Hospital. Durlauf, 63, entered the hospital because of a heart ailment Thursday. His home was at 1400 Cherokee Road. He founded the musical instrument store in 1926. Now at 312 W. Broadway, the store was located at 614 S. Fifth for many years. Durlauf played in orchestras in Louisville theaters in his younger days. The theaters included Macauley's, Mary Anderson, and Brown. He also played engagements in Lexington, Ky., and Birmingham theaters. Later, he had his own orchestra. Primarily a drummer, Durlauf played a variety of instruments. He was a long-time member of the Musicians Union. He was the composer of two songs, "Good Evening, Mr. Smoky," and "We're Singing A Song Again." Durlauf bought and sold real estate as a side line. Born in Jasper, Ind., he was a graduate of the old Jasper College. He came to Louisville when he was about 16.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Carolyn M. Durlauf; two sons, J. Maxwell Durlauf and G. K. Durlauf; two daughters, Mrs. C. R. DeSpain, Bardstown, and Miss Helen Durlauf; five brothers, Leo F. Durlauf and Otto A. Durlauf, both of Jasper; Michael J. Durlauf, Harry A. Durlauf. and Frank Durlauf, all of Los Angeles; and two sisters, Mrs. Fred Steinhart, Jasper, and Mrs. Frank Betz, Washington, D. C. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Pearson's, 149 Breckinridge Lane. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park.

The Courier-Journal, March 23, 1952