John Phillip Walden, 80, of Benton, passed away peacefully on September 24th,  2024. He was born on April 13 th,1944 to Ada Frances Wise and Charlie Phillip Walden at the Bauxite Hospital. John retired from the City of Benton as the Director of Finance and Administration and was a man of deep faith in Jesus Christ. John was defined by his integrity, hard work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and abiding love for his family. He loved tinkering and took great joy in applying his natural ingenuity toward rebuilding a go-cart for his grandkids. John also had a passion for fishing that he loved sharing with others, building lifelong memories with family over many summer days on the White River.

He was a 1962 graduate of Bryant High School and a Vietnam veteran, having served in the US Navy during wartime in the South China Sea on the USS Intrepid and USS Enterprise. After his military service, John sought advanced study in accounting at Draughon's Business College in Little Rock, where he met his future wife, Ann Foreman. That time at Draughon's helped lead to a nearly 40 year career with the City of Benton and a 53 year marriage to his love that will carry on into the next life.

John is preceded in death by his dearly loved mother and father as well as his sister Rosemary Cross.

He is survived by his wife Ann, brother David Walden of Sheridan, daughters Donna (Mike) Beckwith and Johnna (Brian) Goodman, and son James (Katie) Walden. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren Lauren Campbell, Lance Goodman, Sarah Goodman, Henry Walden, Hattie Walden, Braxton Goodman, Zachary Goodman, and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be: Lance Goodman, Brian Goodman, Michael Robinson, Hayden Robinson, Terry Dalrymple, and Greg Sharp. Honorary Pallbearers are: David Walden, James Walden, Henry Walden, Braxton Goodman, and Zachary Goodman.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 30th, at 9:00 AM at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, followed by a memorial service at 10:00 AM.

A private family graveside service will be held following at Bryant Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Bryant Cemetery Association: 6011 Boone Rd, Bryant, AR 72022.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who loved him.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com