On November 4, 2019, long-term ēCO Credit Union board member, Dr. Eddie J. Pruden passed away. He faithfully served on ēCO’s Board of Directors for more than forty years. During his service to the credit union, he held a variety of positions and played an important role in the growth of ēCO. While Dr. Pruden served on the board, ēCO grew from $19 million in assets to more than $145 million in assets.
“Dr. Pruden’s presence will be sorely missed,” said ēCO CEO, Mr. Joey Hand. “He was committed to the credit union mission of people helping people, as he served on the board and also in his daily life.”
To celebrate his legacy, ēCO’s Board of Directors named the boardroom in his honor. The Dr. Eddie J. Pruden Boardroom was dedicated and ēCO board members, employees, and Dr. Pruden’s family celebrated the dedication with a ribbon cutting on December 19. His portrait is now proudly displayed in the boardroom, and a portrait, poem, and certificate were also presented to his family to commemorate the dedication.
“Dr. Pruden was a joy to serve alongside,” said ēCO Board Chairman, Ms. Julie Kelly. “Because he served on the board for many years, the board of directors wanted to honor his dedication and the legacy he leaves behind.”
Dr. Pruden worked in education for thirty-three years and retired as the Principal at Rogers Vocation School in 1993. He was an active member of West Jefferson Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and treasurer. He was married to Beverly Pruden and had two children, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.