Robert Craig Walden was a loved one, a friend, and someone special to many people. To family and friends who knew him best, Robert will be remembered as a very exceptional person. Robert was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs.
He was the son of Daniel and Marjorie Walden, born and raised in Clinton, Illinois.
As a young boy, Robert had a number of interests and, like most children, he enjoyed playing sports. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Robert was an active child who loved to play football.
Robert earned his Liberal Arts degree in Economics from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.
On June 22, 2001 Robert exchanged wedding vows with Florie Militante-Velasco at St. Thomas Catholic Church of Naperville, Illinois.
Robert had two stepchildren, Richard and Sara Velasco, both married, and three grandchildren.
Robert was an Army veteran. He served from February 1968 to January 1972. Robert saw action for close to a year in Vietnam. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals.
Robert's favorite pursuit was the game of Bridge. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Robert found pleasure in sports. In high school, Robert played football. Robert was also a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were baseball and football, with the St. Louis Cardinals as his favorite team.
Robert was a lover of animals, notably dogs and birds. He always stopped by to pat a dog on the street, always happy to play with them, his face lighting up. Like his sports team, the cardinal was a favorite.
He worked for 27 years with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as a Rating Claims Examiner. He retired in 2004.
He moved around after retirement, following his wife's job assignments, to include the Philippines, Honolulu, Washington DC/Virginia, and finally retiring in Henderson, Nevada. In retirement, he continued to be passionate with Bridge. Even in retirement, Robert continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.
Robert enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacation spots included Europe and Asia.
Robert passed away on April 1, 2020 at Kindred Hospital-Flamingo in Las Vegas, NV. He is survived by his wife, Florie; stepchildren and spouses, Richard and Nikki, Sara and Jared; and grandchildren Nia, Leila, and Garrett. He is also survived by his cousin William and Betty Ryan and family.
Services will be at Palms Mortuary- Eastern, in Las Vegas, NV on May 3, 2020. Robert will be laid to rest at the Southern Nevada VA National Cemetery in North Las Vegas, NV on May 5, 2020.
Robert was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a quiet, trustworthy and honest person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Robert leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Robert 'Bob' Walden.
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Note: In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Guiding Eyes for the Blind at GuidingEyes.org.
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