Durham, NC - Former Romance Studies faculty member Thomas Howard Cordle of Durham died Saturday, July 19, at Duke University Hospital. He was 90 years old.

A native of Atlanta, Cordle served in the U.S. Navy in West Africa during World War II. He received a B.A. from University of Virginia, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. from Yale University. He was professor emeritus in French at Duke where he taught from 1950 until 1983, specializing in contemporary literature.

In 1955-56 he studied in Basel, Switzerland as a Fellow of the Fund for Advancement of Education. His publications include scholarly articles on Proust and Malraux, as well as two editions of a book on the life and work of Andre Gide.

Cordle is survived by two nephews and a niece, Marion Denslow of Spring Valley, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel B. Cordle.

A private service will be scheduled at a later date. On line condolences may be sent via www.hallwynne.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.