Taney County prosecuting attorney dies

Courtesy city of Branson

William “Dub” Duston took office as Taney County prosecuting attorney in 2019.

Taney County's prosecuting attorney has died.

The office of William “Dub” Duston posted on Facebook that he died May 17. The 49-year-old had cancer, officials say.

"Mr. Duston served the citizens of Taney County with passion and dedication. This is truly a devastating loss for our office and the county as a whole," the Facebook post reads.

Duston took office as the elected prosecuting attorney for Taney County on Jan. 1, 2019, according to the prosecutor's website. He led an office with five assistant prosecutors and seven staff members.

His election to the prosecuting attorney role marked his return to the office. He previously served as the county’s assistant prosecuting attorney after graduating from law school at American University in Washington, D.C. Prior to his election to his most recent role, Duston worked as an associate at the law firm of Allman, Ingrum & Wilson PC in Hollister and as prosecuting attorney and city attorney for the city of Branson.

"In his time here, he made a significant positive impact on the success of the city and on his co-workers, who greatly admired him," the city of Branson posted on Facebook. "He was generous of heart and spirit and had a love of our community second to none. He will be greatly missed."