David Lyle Peden, Jr.

David Lyle Peden Jr., 79, of Visalia, California, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, in Visalia, California. He was born on February 25, 1947, in Woodlake, California, to David Lyle Peden and Lula Mae Carrier. David grew up in Woodlake, California, and graduated from Woodlake High School in 1964. He continued his education at the College of Sequoias before transferring to California State University, where he earned his degree in 1973. On July 1, 1966, David married the love of his life, Belva Ilene Shaw, at First Assembly of God church in Visalia, California. Their loving marriage spanned nearly 60 years. David proudly served four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era, stationed overseas in Turkey, where he worked in the intelligence field. His career in public service was distinguished and impactful. David worked as a Probation Officer for Tulare County Probation for over 26 years. He later advanced to Deputy Chief of Probation for Placer County, serving in that role for 5 years. After retiring and moving to Oklahoma, he continued part-time with Oklahoma Court Services for 7 years. Upon returning to California, he proudly volunteered as a member of the Visalia Police Department's Volunteer in Police Service (VIPS) program. A devoted man of faith, David was an active and beloved member of Visalia First Assembly of God church before his move to Oklahoma. He spent countless joyful hours operating the sound board for Sunday and Wednesday services, choir practices, musical rehearsals, and the church's beautiful musical productions. Despite his commitments, he never missed life's precious moments with his wife and two sons. David is survived by his beloved wife, Belva Ilene Peden; his eldest son, David Lyle Peden III and wife Brenda Peden; his youngest son, Geoffrey Alan Peden; and his cherished grandchildren, Taylor Peden, Jenna Peden, Zackary Peden, Elizabeth Peden, and Gavin Vong. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Lyle Peden Sr. and Lula Mae Peden; his younger brother, Richard Michael Peden ("Mike"); and his baby sister, Christine Sue Cochran. David will be joyfully reunited with them in eternity. Known affectionately as "Papa" to his grandchildren, David was a devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather, and true friend to many. He touched countless lives with his kindness, dedication, and warmth, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Graveside services will be held 12:30 PM Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mtn. Blvd., Arvin. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

David Lyle Peden, Jr.

February 25, 1947 - March 5, 2026