Bobby Harold Walden, 93, of Parthenon, Arkansas passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Home in Harrison April 3, 2023.

Bobby was born to Orastus Pete and Ruby Lee (Randell) Walden on June 29, 1929 in Clegg, Texas.  Bob lived a humble life.  Even as a child he is remembered for helping others, especially his many brothers and sisters.

At the age of 23, Bobby married Wanda Fae (Maloney) Walden on August 18, 1952.  Soon after their marriage, Bobby joined the army and served for 2 years in Korea as a combat engineer, specializing in demolitions.  Sergeant Walden was a soldier in many of the major battles in the Korean War, including the battle at Heartbreak Ridge.  Many years later, Bobby had the military honor to give the first salute to his grandson Mark as he was commissioned into the army as a Second Lieutenant.

After Bobby returned to Texas to his devoted wife, they welcomed Michael in 1954, followed by the twins, Marlene and Sharlene, in 1956.  Bobby made a living for his family as an automotive machinist and mechanic.  As a business owner in Deer Park and later Pasadena, Texas, Bobby was well respected as an expert in building engines, including some for race cars.

Bobby's desire to live again on a farm was realized when he and Wanda retired to their farm in Northwest Arkansas in 1990.  He loved working outdoors growing organic vegetables and was proud to give a tour of his garden to any interested visitor.  Bobby loved having all the family gather at the farm for various family events.  The grandkids knew that if they wanted something, they went straight to Papa.  He never said "no" to them.

When Wanda and their daughter, Sharlene, passed away in 2011, Bobby remained living on the farm until medical needs required him to have more assistance.  He was a resident of Hillcrest Home and was lovingly cared for by the staff of Hillcrest until his passing on April 3 ^rd .

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Orastus and Ruby Walden; and 7 siblings, Georgia Ann (Walden) Lindblom, John Becus Walden, Leonard Verdell Walden, Dorothy Lee (Walden) Holland, Lucretia Pete (Walden) Burge, Willodean Marie (Walden) Smith, and Dexter Ray Walden.  He was also preceded by in death by his beloved wife, Wanda Fae (Maloney) Walden and their daughter Sharlene Walden Damewood.

Bobby is survived by his son, Michael A Walden and wife JoAnn of Harrison; his daughter, Dr. Marlene Walden of Little Rock; his grandchildren Michael P Walden, Mark Walden, Brandi Qualls, Jarrod Damewood, Jacquelyn Damewood, and Sara Damewood.   Great grandchildren include Logan Walden, Emilee Walden, Bryleigh Qualls and Jocelyn Qualls.  He is also survived by a sister, Wanda Faye Walden Wofford of Georgia, and many special friends that he was blessed to know throughout his life.

Bobby worshipped his Maker as he tilled the ground, planted, and harvested his garden.  Although the gentle farmer, dressed in overalls, wearing his brown hat and glasses (on the end of his nose) will be missed by those he left behind, we celebrate his life and are comforted to know he is in Heaven with many loved ones who went before him.

Funeral service will be at 10 AM, Friday, April 7, 2023 at Coffman Funeral Home in Jasper. Doug Kisinger will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Union Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5 PM to 7 PM at Coffman Funeral Home in Jasper.

Pallbearers are Michael P. Walden, Jarrod Damewood, Mark Walden, Charles Hannah, Don Qualls, and Logan Walden.

Honorary pallbearers are the Caregivers at Hillcrest Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Hillcrest Home, Attn: Bobby Walden Donations, 1111 Maplewood Rd., Harrison, AR, 72601.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com .