David L. Prior

David L. Prior, 90, of Battle Creek passed away May 15, 2024 after a short illness.

He was born August 29, 1933 in Oil City, Pennsylvania to Ronald and Marcella (Kelly) Prior.  David grew up in Orwell, Ohio and graduated from Grand Valley High School in 1952.  He attended John Carroll University for a year until he enlisted and served for five years in the United States Coast Guard.  After being honorably discharged from the USCG, David returned to college, graduating from Kent State University with a degree in Business Administration in 1960.  David was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity Beta Mu Chapter.  While in college, David married Margaret Jackson in 1959. 

David worked as a sales executive in the packaging industry for 43 years, retiring in 2002.   Over the years he was responsible for the packaging sales and design of many national brand products manufactured by the Kellogg Co., Post Cereals, Peter Paul Candy, and Little Tikes toys.   He was a longtime member of the Battle Creek Country Club and served as an usher for many years at St. Philip Catholic Church.  David was an avid Michigan State sports fan and enjoyed following the stock market and politics.

David was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 46 years.  He is survived by his sister, Lynn A. Prior of Orwell, Ohio; his children, James (Heidi) Prior and Kathryn “Cassie” (Scott) Smith; his grandchildren, Brittany (Paul) Kennedy, Grant Prior, Matthew (Kristin) Smith, Christopher Smith, Jacob (Molly) Smith, Kathryn Smith and Alexandra Smith; and his great-grandchildren, Emma and Scott Smith.  For the past 18 years, David has enjoyed life with Marlene Romans; she survives as well as her children, Mike (Linda) Romans and Michelle (Doug) Romans; and her grandsons, Daniel and Nathan Romans.  

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23^rd at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 24^th at the St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, Battle Creek.  Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of David may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.