David Clarke Pruden Sr.

1952 ~ 2025

Sandy, UT-David Clarke Pruden Sr. passed away January 5th, 2025 surrounded by family members. He peacefully returned home to his Heavenly Father, his Savior, and family members who preceded him.

David was born in Cincinnati, OH on June 20th, 1952 to Charles Clarke Pruden and Vivian Vance. He attended elementary school in Cincinnati prior to moving to Asheville, North Carolina at the age of 12. In 1970 he graduated from Enka High School in Asheville. David was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 27, 1974. Three weeks later, he accepted a job offer in Salt Lake City, Utah, and decided to load up his Toyota and "cross the plains" to Utah. He lived in Utah for the remainder of his life.

David met Ramona Guymon while attending a young adult ward and they were married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on May 9th, 1975. Throughout his life, David served faithfully in numerous church callings, including as a Bishop and a Gospel Doctrine teacher. He always came to love those he served and had a special place in his heart for the primary children and the young men and young women in his ward. He also found a great deal of meaning serving in his role in the Bishopric at the Utah State Prison.

David loved learning, reading, and teaching. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in Sociology, and a master's degree in Human and Family Development from Utah State University. He thoroughly enjoyed working for several years as an adjunct professor at Utah State University. He truly was a master teacher.

David had a successful professional career leading a variety of organizations including his own business and several non-profit organizations. He was most energized when providing help and support to individuals or when advocating for causes he felt were important for future generations.

A dedicated University of Utah fan and football season ticket holder, David rarely missed a home game. He even attended a game only days after a lower limb amputation! He loved traveling to away games, especially bowl games, with one of his fondest memories being the 2009 Sugar Bowl. Utah games were always a special family time. His children fondly remember going to games with their dad when they were younger. For the last several years, David also loved sitting in the stands next to his grandchildren. Go Utes!

David was an enthusiastic trip planner who took his children to many national and LDS church historical sites. His children have fond memories of traveling the country in the back of the family station wagon. But you couldn't call these adventures a "vacation", as the days were filled from morning to night with historical sites, museums, and other learning opportunities. The adventures continued later in life as David and Ramona were able to travel to several foreign countries together. He instilled a love of travel in each of his children who have continued this same tradition with their own families.

Following a kidney transplant almost eighteen years ago, David had to deal with a myriad of medical challenges. He and his family are grateful for the dedicated service provided by numerous medical professionals who worked hard to allow David the opportunity to enjoy valuable time with his grandchildren and family.

David is survived by his wife Ramona, sister Doris, and brother Glenn. He is also survived by his beloved children David Clarke Pruden Jr. (Denae), James Gordon Pruden (Brittany), and Anna Marie Pruden Dart (Jeff). One of the greatest joys of his life were his 11 grandchildren: Grace, Emily, Sarah, Rachel, Abi, Noah, Isaac, Eli, Molly, and Ellie Pruden and Eric Dart. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Paul.

Viewing and service was held January 9th. Interment to follow at a later date.