David Kenneth Dearden

David Kenneth “Ken” Dearden, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, at Creekside Memory Care. He was born on July 2, 1934, in Henefer, Utah, a town that always held a special place in his heart.

The youngest of three brothers, Ken grew up surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, developing a lifelong love of fishing and hunting—pastimes he enjoyed most with his brothers and sons. He graduated from North Summit High School in 1952, where he served as senior class president. Following high school, Ken attended Brigham Young University for one year before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New England States. Upon returning, he continued his education at Utah State University, earning a degree in business management in 1963. He also served in the ROTC Reserves for six years, from 1957 to 1964.

Ken worked for 32 years with the Internal Revenue Service, demonstrating integrity and dedication in his work. However, his greatest joy came from his family. On November 15, 1963, he married Joan Brown in the Salt Lake Temple, and together they raised their four children in Bountiful, Utah. Ken was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle always placing his family at the center of his life. His gentle nature, kindness, and willingness to serve others endeared him to all who knew him.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ken served in many capacities throughout his life, including multiple callings as Ward Clerk and Financial Clerk. His dedication to his faith and his quiet acts of service were a reflection of his deep testimony and love for others.

Ken is survived by his wife, Joan Brown, his children, Cheryl (Clint) Combe, Kendra (Mark) Dunford, Duane Dearden, and Lance (Lori) Dearden; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Marion Dearden. He was preceded in death by his parents, David O. and Ruby Frances Owen Dearden; his brothers, Melvin O. Dearden and Val J. (Marlene) Dearden; and his great-grandson, Teddy Rae Kelson.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Creekside Memory Care and Season, with Utah Home Health & Hospice. Ken’s legacy of kindness, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday February 28, 2025 from 6-8pm at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 North 400 East. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, March 1, 2025 at the Bountiful 23rd Ward Chapel, 650 East 2150 South, Bountiful, Utah, with visitation from 8:30 - 9:30 am prior to services at the church. Burial to follow at the Henefer City cemetery. Services will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of David’s obituary page.