Mr. Paul Leslie DeDen's Obituary
Mr. Paul Leslie DeDen, Age 83, passed away Friday afternoon, January 24, 2025 at the Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful. He was born April 2nd, 1941, in Bellflower, CA, the fourth child of the late Sefriedes [Fred] and Melba Eunice DeDen.
Paul is survived and missed by his loving wife Gail Arline DeDen of 60 years; and his children Steven (Wife: Renae), Arline (Husband: Troy Johnson), David (Wife: Debora), Paula (Husband: Larry Gladwell), and Daniel (Wife: Tarena); their 17 grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and 1 step great grandchild. Additionally, he is survived by 7 of his 9 siblings, Fred, Barbara, George, Lynn, Gene, Gladys, and Phyllis.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Daniel and his sister Roberta.
Paul grew up in Paramount, California. Paul lost his father at the age of 11 and began working early in life to help support himself and his family. He would go on to run his own mobile catering business from an early age and dutifully work long hours for 40+ years to support his family. Paul enjoyed his hobbies of hot rods and boating in his youth and camping, fishing, and shooting throughout his life. He served honorably in the military during the Vietnam War as a motor pool driver at Fort Bliss, achieving the rank of Specialist 4th Class.
Paul and Gail raised their family of 5 kids in Lakewood, CA and later in Corona, CA, where they served in many church callings and were highly active in their ward organizations.
Paul was an ardent Boy Scout supporter and served for many years as Head Scoutmaster in his church ward and served in numerous positions in the Scouting organization. A tireless teacher and leader of youth, he is honored and highly remembered among his former Scouts and fellow Scouting leaders.
In retirement, Paul moved to West Bountiful to be near his children and grandchildren and spend the remaining years of his life shepherding and loving them with all of his heart. Paul was an exceedingly hard-working and tough man that showed his love for all around him through constant concern for their well-being, through consistent counsel and education about temporal preparedness, and through selfless service.
This great man, loved dearly by his family, will be sorely missed.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 1750 North 900 West in West Bountiful. A viewing for friends and neighbors will be held at 10 am immediately before the service. Interment to follow at Bountiful City Cemetery.
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