Joe Verne Walden

He was born on August 28, 1934 in Crowell, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Verne Walden and Lucille Elizabeth Walden.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; sister, Ann Upchurch (Bill); son, Ken; daughters, Julie Mullins (Andy), Leslie Leech (Brad); step-daughter, Monica Seamster; grandchildren, Jordan and Kaycee Leech, and Joseph Osborn; step-grandchildren, Fletcher and Ellinor Seamster.

Joe was a long time member of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church. He taught Spanish there and was a member of the Border Ministry. He enjoyed his work with San Lucas Lutheran Church in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Joe graduated from Littlefield High School, then went to West Texas State on a football scholarship. He was a 3 year starter, and was All Border Conference halfback his senior year. After his senior year he was invited to play in the East-West Shrine All Star game. He was also drafted by the Detroit Lions of the NFL.

After graduation from college he served 2 years active duty in the U.S. Army with the 3rd Armored Division in Germany. He then spent 4 years in the Army Reserves.

He worked 40 years in the gasoline refining and marketing business. He began his career with Shamrock Oil & Gas in Amarillo, Texas, then Sigmor Corporation of Tom E. Turner, Sr., where he worked in Ft. Worth and San Antonio. In 1983, Diamond Shamrock bought Sigmor Corporation refinery and retail outlets where he served as Vice President of Retail. The last 3 years before retirement with Diamond Shamrock he spent working on projects in Mexico and Argentina. This was a delight for Joe as he enjoyed speaking the Spanish language. He made good friends with the people he worked with there and were some of his best friends. Joe retired in 1996.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY 5, 2015

9:30 A.M.

ABIDING PRESENCE LUTHERAN CHURCH

14700 SAN PEDRO AVENUE

Pastor Steven Cox will officiate. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Columbarium.