Retired Lt.David L. Dudley's Obituary
Retired Lt. David L. Dudley, age 66, of Urbandale, Iowa, and a former Appanoose County resident, died Saturday, June 7, 2014, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. He was born the son of Bob and Lavaughn (Leopard) Dudley on June 9, 1947 in Centerville, Iowa. He graduated from Centerville High School in 1965, and then attended Machinist Trade School in Ottumwa, Iowa. David served his country with the United States Army in the 1st Calvary Division and was in Viet Nam during 1967-68 and received the Purple Heart, and Bronze Star medal for his service. He was honorable discharged in November of 1968. On April 26, 1969, David was united in marriage to Susan Moriarty in Cincinnati, Iowa. In July of 1970, David entered the Iowa State Patrol Academy and graduated in September of 1970. He was first assigned to Bedford, Iowa. His daughter Amy was born October 1970, followed by Mark in December 1972, and then Brian in May of 1974. In 1985 David was promoted to Sgt and moved to Cherokee, Iowa until 1990 when he was moved to Spencer, Iowa where he was promoted to Lieutenant. In 1995, he moved to West Des Moines, Iowa and began working at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy till his retirement in 2009 with over 39 years of service to the State of Iowa. In 1995 and 2002, he was given the Commissioner's Special Award for Excellence in Traffic Safety. David was the face behind ILEA's SFST program and his devotion to making it the success that it is today. He was preceded in death by: his parents; a son, Mark Dudley on January 3, 2005; and a brother, Duane Dudley in 2004.David is survived by: his wife, Susan Moriarty-Dudley of Urbandale, Iowa; a son, Brian Dudley of Urbandale, Iowa; and a daughter, Amy Dudley-Mancha of Kansas City, Missouri; a brother, Donald Dudley and his wife, Michelle of West Des Moines, Iowa; two grandchildren, Noah Dudley and Christopher Mancha. He was loved by nieces and nephews, along with his brother-in law and family in Washington.Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 11 am at the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa with Herbert Vestal officiating. Graveside services with full Military Honors by the Iowa National Guard, will be held at 3 pm on Thursday, at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery west of Cincinnati, Iowa. Memorials can be made to the 'Wounded Warrior's' and left of mailed to the funeral home. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Retired Lt.David L. Dudley please visit our Sympathy Store.
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