Dr. David 'Dave' Norman Mardon died at his home in Richmond, KY, on August 29, 2020, after living with Parkinson's disease for many years. He was born in Syracuse, NY, and grew up in Syracuse and Santa Monica, CA. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Leinwand Mardon, stepmother, Edith Pekofsky Mardon, brother, William Mardon, stepbrother, Thomas Sheldon Palerino and a special friend, Harry Wing. He is survived by his wife, Mary Susan Bascom Mardon; five children, David Mardon, Dorothy Mardon, Jon Mardon, Keith Markland, and Sarah Mardon; four granddaughters, including Miranda Markland and Brittany Markland; one great-granddaughter, Madeline Markland, and his dog, Buddy.

As a teen living in California, he enjoyed surfing and was a caddy for actors in the area. During his teenage years in Syracuse, he ran track and placed in the state meet. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and later studied at Syracuse University, receiving a bachelor's degree in chemistry and doctorate in microbiology. After completing his PhD at Syracuse,  he later worked as a research scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, leading a project to prolong and improve the lives of leukemia patients and then he taught microbiology and conducted research at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.

In 1976, Dave moved to Richmond, KY, to begin a 23-year teaching career at Eastern Kentucky University, where he taught students majoring in biology and chemistry, nursing, and science education. Although he loved teaching, he conducted research and published papers; one of his projects studied the effect of nitrogen-fixing bacteria on pepper plants. He was a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Society for Microbiology, regularly attending meetings of both organizations. He was also involved with the Kentucky Academy of Science.

After retirement from EKU, Dave enjoyed playing golf in a senior league and with friends, including former colleagues Ray Otero and Bob Creek. He had a deep appreciation for nature; he was a hiker, a gardener, and a finder of four-leaf clovers.

He will be remembered for his kindness to others, natural curiosity, mischievous smiles, and love for seafood and chocolate desserts.

Graveside services will be at 11 AM, Friday, September 4, 2020 with Rev. Elise Johnstone at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Sharpsburg, KY.  Pallbearers will be Keith Markland, Ron Jones, Paul Cupp, George Bascom, Robert Palmer and Walter Bascom Shrout.  Memorials may be directed to the American Parkinson's Disease Association or a charity or organization of your choice.  Taul Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.