Larry Hugh Walden was born on February 11th, 1946 to Hugh Walden and Bonnie “Brooks” Walden in Iola KS. Shortly after his birth, they relocated to Odessa TX. His father was killed in an oilfield accident at a very young age. They moved back to Iola, Bonnie later remarried Luther Kinman and they settled one mile west of Iola. Larry grew up fishing and hunting with his “gramps” Charlie Wilson- whom he held with the highest regards. Playing sports, washing trucks and trailers at Cyrus trucking and cruising his ’56 baby blue hard top were how the teenage years were spent.
He set his eyes on a colony girl, but her folks Impala would out run him- getting to the Anderson County line. (yes, mother was a lead foot) He enrolled in Allen County Community College and with a year under his belt, Uncle Sam called him up. Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force on Feb 8th, 1966. He served one tour in De Nang, Vietnam ’67-’68 during the Tet offensive. He returned state side and married his sweetheart, Beverly M. Jones on February 10th, 1968. Larry was honorably discharged on Dec 1st, 1969. Larry graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in Business at the top of his class. He and Beverly would settle in Albuquerque NM and welcomed their first child (Michelle) in 1972. They welcomed their second child (Bradley) in 1976.
A change of pace and heart would come calling and they moved back to Iola to raise a family in a small community. Larry was the purchasing manager for IMP boats and later retired from E-Kan Fire Equipment as territory manager. He loved hunting, fishing, shooting and reloading. Larry enjoyed passing his love and knowledge of the outdoors on to his children and friends who were passionate about it. He enjoyed his woodworking projects and donating them in the community. An opinionated man he was, he would let you know you were wrong long before you knew you were even involved (insert Big Larry chuckle) He was a member of Iola Masonic Lodge #38 and an active member of VFW Post 6324 since 1986. Larry passed away peacefully at home, in his favorite chair on Oct 11th, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones. Per his request, cremation has taken place and a private ceremony will take place at a later date. He is survived by his beautiful bride, Beverly, of 52 years. His daughter Michelle (Todd) Marlow of Iola, his son Bradley (Cori) Walden and grandchildren Myles & Paige Walden of Sheridan, Wyoming. His sister Patty (Cliff) Spencer of Colony, Stacey West, niece, and Mark Spencer, nephew.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:
VFW Post 6324, 907 US Hwy 54, LaHarpe, KS 66751
WYO W.E.S.T. Warrior Foundation, 1100 Leopard Street, Sheridan, WY 82801
St. Lukes Homecare & Hospice, 901 East 104th Street, 3000N, Kansas City, MO 64131
Condolences for the family may be left at
www.feuerbornfuneral.com
.