F. David Rudd, 74, of Parker, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Oct. 7th surrounded by family. David was born in Rexburg on May 20, 1942 to Lowe Lenn Rudd and Gratia Alese Porter. He attended grade school in Parker and graduated from South Fremont H.S. in 1960. Every summer after 1949 was spent in his beloved Tetons where his father ran the Teton Trail Rides park concession at Jenny Lake. That choice environment remained in his heart always and he entertained so many with his stories of the adventures he had there. He also loved to share his gift of music, instilled in him by his sweet mother and grandmother. He sang cowboy songs over the campfire, opera workshops in college and especially loved to sing sacred hymns at home and church. David was also very athletic and loved sports, focusing on track and football. He continued playing football at the U. of U. After his freshman year, he decided to serve a mission for the LDS church even though that meant sacrificing his football scholarship. He served in the Austrian Mission for two and one-half years, learning to speak and love the German language and the Austrians. He returned to his mission field several times throughout his life because he loved it so much. He transferred after his mission to BYU where he majored in German, played football, learned to play and love volleyball and graduated in 1968. That same year he dated and married his eternal sweetheart, Marilyn Ann Moore.

David and Marilyn were blessed with seven wonderful children. They lived in several places while raising their family, including Southern California, Boise and Bear Lake, Idaho, Grand Junction, CO, and Bountiful, UT. Upon David's retirement in 2005 they returned to the old homestead in Parker, ID.It has become a special place for family to gather since then.

David's natural friendliness brought him success in several fields of employment. He began with commercial airlines, then with Texaco Inc., later as a county agent for the Department of Agricultural. He spent most of his career as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company.

In his personal life, David always loved fishing and horseback riding. He grew up in the saddle and spent many sweet hours guiding his family through the Teton trails. Everyone's first ride was with Dad and Grandpa. He taught his children and grandchildren a love of the outdoors. They will always think of him as the greatest cowboy. David loved flying whether as a pilot or passenger. He traveled throughout his life visiting six continents and most of the states. He had a great appreciation for the natural wonders of the world and loved sharing that with his family.

Church service was an integral part of David's life. He served in many capacities and callings: Elder's Quorum President, High Councilor, Bishop, High Priest Group Leader and Assistant Temple Recorder. David and Marilyn also served together in the Texas, Dallas Mission and the Nauvoo Temple Mission.

Although David will be sorely missed here, his legacy will be felt for generations. He touched so many lives with his service, kindness and love. It was truly a life well-lived. He summarized it by saying the greatest accomplishments were his family and growing closer to God. His family takes great comfort in knowing of the happy reunions he is now enjoying.

He is survived byhis wife, Marilyn Moore Rudd; his three sisters: CaroleeEdlefsen (St Anthony, ID), Susan R. Morris (Idaho Falls, ID), Nancy R. Dalley (Inkom, ID) and one brother John W. Rudd (Boise, ID); seven children: Jenna (Jared) Oviatt (Washougal, WI), Joanna (Scott) Purves (Davis, CA), J. Lowe Rudd (Michelle) (North Salt Lake, UT), Julie (Jordan) Herget (Davis, CA), Ginger (Todd) Everett (Temecula,CA), Janelle (Robbe) Lehmann, Holly (Steve) Wood (Mountain Green, UT) and twenty-five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 14, at the Parker LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., both times at the church. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery under the direction of Baxter Funeral Home.