Dr. David Thomas Puderbaugh, 83, entered into eternal life with our Lord on May 6, 2021, after a brief illness, with his family at his bedside in Morgantown. He was born in 1937 in Cumberland, Md., to the late Frederick and Marie Puderbaugh. He attended Saint Peter and Paul Elementary, LaSalle High School, Potomac State College, West Virginia University (AB with honors) and WVU School of Dentistry (DDS with high honors).
Upon graduation from dental school, David received the J. Ben Robinson Award for Academic Excellence, The Oral Surgery Award and Gold Foil Award and was inducted into OKU, the National Dental Honor Society. David served as Captain in the United States Air Force Dental Corp. In 1991, he became a fellow in the American College of Dentists. In 1997, he was the recipient of the School of Dentistry Staff Recognition Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He was also recognized as the Outstanding Teacher for the School in 2002, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012. David served as professor for restorative dentistry, chairman of the Department of Dental Practice Management and assistant dean for Clinical Services.
David was a member of the Academy of Operative Dentistry, the American Association of Dental Schools and Delta Sigma Delta International Dental Fraternity, where he served as deputy of Chi Chi Chapter at WVU and president of the WV Graduate Chapter. He was a member of the International Association for Dental Research, Dental Materials Group, Monongahela Valley Dental Society, WV State Dental Association and the ADA. He served as president of Alpha Beta Chapter, OKU, and twice as president of the School of Dentistry Alumni Association, as well as editor for the Alumni Bulletin. He taught at WVU Dental School for 46 years and loved his students, patients and coworkers. They were like family to him.
He was a devout Catholic with unwavering faith in the Lord and a long-term member of Saint John University Parish. He was also a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. At church he was a member of the Building and Grounds Committee, and the Finance Council. He could often be found painting or laying tile at church or grilling for church picnics.
David is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Margaret Yambor Puderbaugh; and his four children including his daughter, Lisa Alt and husband Jeromy, of Cincinnati, daughter, Jennifer Doenges and husband Robert, of Cincinnati, son, David S. Puderbaugh and wife Wendy, of Morgantown, and daughter Dr. Monica Puderbaugh Chapman and husband Dr. Joshua Chapman, of Scott Depot. He is also survived by 11 wonderful grandchildren: Hunter, Kaitlyn, Matthew, Ashley, Kara, Luke, Dylan, David Cameron, Lauren, Brody and Parker.
Also surviving are his two brothers, Frederick Puderbaugh (Marge), of Davis, and Richard Puderbaugh (Michele), of Cumberland, Md.; brother-in-law, Stephen Yambor (Connie), of Florida, and Michael Yambor, of Ohio; and sister-in-law, Dr. Mari Yambor (Witold Sieradzan), of North Carolina.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two siblings, Robert and Mary, and his in-laws, Stephen and Margaret Yambor.
David was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener and loved to share his harvest with others. He also enjoyed building and working on cars with his son, Dave. He was always ready to help friends and neighbors with fix-it projects and was a true handy-man. He was a loving husband, father, friend and grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than going to his children’s activities as they were growing up, including many basketball games, ski trips and school events. He was adored by his 11 grandchildren and loved to take them fishing and hiking. He touched many lives wherever he went, was truly loved and will be missed by all.
Friends and family will be received at Saint Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3334B University Ave., Star City, from 3-7 p.m., Tuesday, May 11. The evening visitation will conclude with a Scriptural Wake Service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church, at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, May 12, with The Rev. Fr. Brian J. Crenwelge, as celebrant. Entombment will follow at the Saint Mary Peace Garden Mausoleum.
Due to COVID-19, all guests are asked to maintain social distancing and wear a mask. Because of COVID, we understand if you are not comfortable coming. Please keep us in your prayers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christian Help, 219 Walnut St., Morgantown, WV, 26505, Saint John University Parish, 1481 University Ave., Morgantown, WV, 26505 or the WVU School of Dentistry.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
