David B. Haight, the eldest member of a high-ranking body of the Mormon church, died of natural causes Saturday at age 97.
Haight died at his home surrounded by family, according to a statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
At 69, he was named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — which is part of the church's top leadership.
For years, Haight oversaw the church's global missionary effort, and had been a member of the church's Public Affairs Board, helping in its outreach to other faiths.
"We deeply regret the passing of our beloved friend and associate," the church said in a statement. "He has stirred the hearts of people across the earth with his declaration of faith and his testimony of the living reality of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Haight died 10 days after the death of another elder, Neal Maxwell.
Born in Oakley, Idaho, Haight served as mayor of Palo Alto, Calif., in the 1950s, but later resigned to serve as president of a Mormon mission in Scotland. He also served as a commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby, and their three children.