April 14, 1940-April 26, 2023

William Dana Prior, 83, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in St. George, Utah. He was born April 14, 1940, in Hollywood, California, to Robert Dana Prior and Beulah May Corkery. He married Frances Anna Blankenship in 1966.  

He was raised in Bakersfield, California, where he graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1958. He joined the military in 1959 and served 16 years as a supply senior sergeant and 11 years as a communication/electronic operation chief. He served for the U.S Army for 27 years. Dan loved his family and country. He served multiple tours of active duty and received some of the nation’s highest awards for his service. His favorite hobby was reading, and his favorite color was green.  

He is survived by his brother, Keith Robert Prior, sister, Holly Claire Prior, and children; Kenneth James Prior (Lana Prior), Houston Wesley Prior (Maria Prior), Kevin Walter Prior (Priscella Munoz-Prior) and Richard Dana Prior (Jessica Prior), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Frances Anna Prior and daughter Kimberly Sue Prior.  

This man will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he has touched.

Funeral service will be Thursday, May 4, at 10:45 a.m., in the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, California.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign William’s online guest book.