John Joseph Walden, Sr. entered eternal rest on April 6, 2023.

John Joseph Walden, Sr., loving husband of the late Tanya L. Walden, was born on November 17, 1946, in Washington, Pennsylvania to the late Haze and Minerva Walden (Catlin). John was the second oldest of seven siblings. Growing up, John attended John Wesley Methodist Church, and was baptized at an early age. John learned the value of hard work while working on a farm. He loved the outdoors, and got the nickname “Chop” from neighborhood friends chanting him on as he chased a rabbit.

John attended Washington public schools. After graduating high school, he joined the Signal Corp of the United States Army. Specialist John Joseph Walden, Sr. received the Code of Conduct Medal and was released from the Army under honorable conditions after four years of faithful service. In the late 70’s, John moved to Cleveland, Ohio and worked as a punch press operator for E.F. Hauserman Company until the company closed in 1989 due to changing economic conditions. It was then that John went to trucking school and began his career driving over the road with Schneider National. In the summers, his daughter Lisa would tag along to keep him company. They would listen to Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” and stop at their favorite rest area, Flying J’s. John would bring souvenirs home for the entire family.

John’s favorite past-time after retiring was frequenting local diners, having his sugar with coffee, and smoking cigarettes. Everyone knew where to find him; first it was Denny’s or Baker Square, and later Peter Pan Donuts, Mary’s Diner, or McDonald’s on 93rd & Kinsman. He was a regular at these restaurants (he and the employees knew each other by name). John also loved sitting out soaking up the sun and drinking his Mountain Dew. And rest assured those who know John know he was always up for a friendly debate.

John was preceded in death by his three sisters: Hanna Walden, Rose Johnson, and Linda Walden.

John leaves to celebrate his life and legacy in love: former wife and best friend Ernestine Walden, mother of Kesha L. Sing, Lisa L. Henry (Marcus) and Kelly L. Maddox – Cleveland, OH; former wife Barbara Flowers (Vernon) mother of John J. Walden, Jr. – Washington, PA ; son John J. Walden – Cleveland, OH; sister Latricia Catlin, brothers James Walden, Melvin Walden, and William Walden – Washington, PA; granddaughters Tiffany M. Walden (Nathan), Marrissa L. Walden, Tamara V. Walden, and Crystal J. Walden – Washington, PA; granddaughters Lauryn T. Robinson, Kennedy L. Smith, Kenzley L. Smith, Isla P. Henry and grandson Edward E. Henry IV -Cleveland, OH; along with a host of step-children, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.