David
David Bailey Powden
d. March 1, 2025
WAKE FOREST, NC --- David Bailey Powden, 88, formerly of Bristol, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at his home in Wake Forest, North Carolina, on Saturday morning, March 1, 2025.
David was born in Bristol, New Hampshire, on June 10, 1936, to the late William and Hazel Bailey Powden. He was a proud graduate of Bristol High School in 1954 and later earned an Associate'S degree from Pierce Business School in Concord, NH. His devotion to service and his community were evident throughout his life. David served for 28 years in the National Guard, where he excelled as a full-time Financial Administrator and prepared meals for the training troupes one weekend a month, an experience that would fuel his lifelong passion for cooking and serving others.
After retiring from the military, David opened Sugar Hill Bakery & Catering Service, a lifelong dream of his. While owning and operating his business, he worked for several prep schools, which led him to develop a desire for preparing meals for children. After six years he closed the doors of the bakery and continued his passion for 18 years cooking at the National Youth Science Summer Camp in Bartow, West Virginia, where he cherished the opportunity to nourish young minds. In addition, he served as the Director of the New Hampshire Food Association.
Whether he prepared a Thanksgiving feast for his family or a meal for hundreds, David’s dedication to making food with passion was always apparent. He had a unique gift for converting everyday recipes that served large groups, ensuring that each meal was delicious.
Beyond his culinary achievements, David had a deep interest in genealogy, often spending hours tracing his family’s roots and connecting with distant relatives. This vivid interest for history and family kept him engaged and grounded throughout his life. His love for his community kept him involved in local theatrical productions, reviving Bristol “Old Home Day” and many other events.
David is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Doreen Dickinson Powden; his daughters, Donna King (Larry) of Wentworth, NH, Diana Kimball of Raleigh, NC, Danica Spain (William) of Bristol, NH and Darthea Powden (Pat Muth) of Wake Forest, NC; his grandchildren, Luke, Sarah, Allen, William, Michael and Rachel; his great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Wesley, Willy, Hayley, Sebastian, and Jackson, with a soon-to-be great-grandson; his sister, Margaret Kulacz of Concord, NH; as well as many extended family members and friends.
A graveside service will be held at Homeland Cemetery in Bristol, NH on May 17th at 11:00 with a reception to follow at the Homestead Restaurant.
Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.
David was born in Bristol, New Hampshire, on June 10, 1936, to the late William and Hazel Bailey Powden. He was a proud graduate of Bristol High School in 1954 and later earned an Associate'S degree from Pierce Business School in Concord, NH. His devotion to service and his community were evident throughout his life. David served for 28 years in the National Guard, where he excelled as a full-time Financial Administrator and prepared meals for the training troupes one weekend a month, an experience that would fuel his lifelong passion for cooking and serving others.
After retiring from the military, David opened Sugar Hill Bakery & Catering Service, a lifelong dream of his. While owning and operating his business, he worked for several prep schools, which led him to develop a desire for preparing meals for children. After six years he closed the doors of the bakery and continued his passion for 18 years cooking at the National Youth Science Summer Camp in Bartow, West Virginia, where he cherished the opportunity to nourish young minds. In addition, he served as the Director of the New Hampshire Food Association.
Whether he prepared a Thanksgiving feast for his family or a meal for hundreds, David’s dedication to making food with passion was always apparent. He had a unique gift for converting everyday recipes that served large groups, ensuring that each meal was delicious.
Beyond his culinary achievements, David had a deep interest in genealogy, often spending hours tracing his family’s roots and connecting with distant relatives. This vivid interest for history and family kept him engaged and grounded throughout his life. His love for his community kept him involved in local theatrical productions, reviving Bristol “Old Home Day” and many other events.
David is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Doreen Dickinson Powden; his daughters, Donna King (Larry) of Wentworth, NH, Diana Kimball of Raleigh, NC, Danica Spain (William) of Bristol, NH and Darthea Powden (Pat Muth) of Wake Forest, NC; his grandchildren, Luke, Sarah, Allen, William, Michael and Rachel; his great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Wesley, Willy, Hayley, Sebastian, and Jackson, with a soon-to-be great-grandson; his sister, Margaret Kulacz of Concord, NH; as well as many extended family members and friends.
A graveside service will be held at Homeland Cemetery in Bristol, NH on May 17th at 11:00 with a reception to follow at the Homestead Restaurant.
Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Bailey Powden, please visit our flower store.
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