David Ray Redden

1921 - 2007

Dr. David Ray Redden, 85, passed into the Lord's hands on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007.

Funeral: 1 p.m. Thursday at Denton Bible Chapel, 2300 E. University Drive, Denton, with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Burial: Roselawn Cemetery, Denton.

Memorials: David R. Redden Biological Sciences Endowment, payable to UNT Foundation, mail: UNT College of Arts & Sciences, Box 305189, Denton, Texas 76203. This fund was established in 2000 by UNT to provide scholarships to junior undergraduate students for pre-med, pre-dental or pre-vet studies.

David was born Dec. 22, 1921, in McKinney. He served in World War II from 1944 to 1946 as a technical sergeant, 4th Corps, 5th Army. David earned a Bronze Star for his actions while serving as a forward sound ranging observer in Italy's Po Valley campaign. After the war, he returned to finish his undergraduate degree in biology at the University of North Texas and met the love of his life, Ruth Hillin, from Texas Woman's University on a blind date. David and Ruth's marriage three months later began a love story that lasted 58 years. He obtained his M.S. from UNT and later a Ph.D. from Baylor University Medical School and Graduate Research Institute in 1960. After teaching physiology at Baylor University College of Dentistry, he joined the UNT faculty, where he remained for 30 years, with a passion for teaching and research. During his tenure at UNT until retirement in May 1984, he was instrumental in placing students into medical, dental and veterinary schools while serving as the chair of the Pre-Professional Advisory Committee for 25 years. He also served as adjunct faculty at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth.

David's honors from UNT included Outstanding Professor, Outstanding Service Award, Distinguished Teaching Award, Outstanding Educator and Outstanding Alumni for Excellence in Biological Sciences. He was named professor emeritus after his retirement.

David was a strong but gentle man, a talented duck carver, an avid hunter throughout his life, and was deeply devoted to his wife and family. He enjoyed attending Denton Bible Church. His family and friends celebrate his beautiful life.

Survivors: Wife of 58 years, Ruth Hillin Redden; daughter, Pam and Dr. Ray Drenner of Fort Worth; son, Mike Redden and Elaine of Plano; son, Ken Redden and Sharon of Denton; son, Dr. Ron Redden and Debbie of Kingwood; son, Chris Redden and Russ Barnett of Denton; grandchildren, Bryan and Matt Drenner, Dr. Corbett Redden, Collin, Sean, Jennifer, Matthew Ryan, Tracy, Shannon, Kevin and Derek Redden; and great-grandchildren, Riley and Price Webb.