Date of Birth: June 20, 1954
Date of Death: October 21, 2020
Bill Walden, age 66, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona where he had been a resident for 47 years. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Bobbie and Winola Walden, grandparents Carl and Beatrice Walden, and sister Vdonna Lynne Hickson. He will be remembered and missed by his wife Sophia Walden; children Zabatka Colbert, Etienne Walden, and Sedacy Walden; brothers Zabatka Walden, Bobbie Walden, his wife Karen, sister, Kay Walden, granddaughter Audrey, and many other relatives and friends. Bill graduated from Welch High School in 1973 and from Arizona State University in 1978 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Bill was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. At ASU he played football under Frank Kush and participated in three Fiesta bowls and winner of three Western Athletic Conference titles. While at ASU he also picked up Karate as his other sport with Sensei Shojiro Koyama. He was proud to represent the United States in England on the 1990 U.S. Karate Team, an experience he highly enjoyed. Bill was quite passionate and dedicated to both sports, winning many trophies. Bill was an avid sportsman, who also coached club basketball along with Chuck Coburn. Together they were actively involved in mentoring youth for Arizona Rage Basketball. He was a great supportive side coach to his three children. After ASU, he worked as a bailiff for former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’ Connor, Insurance Agent for Aetna Life, Senior Claims Service Adjuster for Allstate Insurance. After many years, he retired from Allstate Insurance and was a youth care worker at Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development. He also worked for Child Protective Services and the Department of Economic Development. As a young boy, he was active in church activities with his family, including singing in the church choir. As an adult, he served as a deacon for several years at North Phoenix Baptist Church. He also coached there for Upward Basketball. A farewell service will be held on November 25th, 2020 at Paradise Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, 9300 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 at 2:00 pm. The family would like to express appreciation to friends who sent flowers, and cards of condolence and also thanks for the compassionate care given by Savior Hospice and his caregivers Kathy King and Dale Cooper.
Service Information
A farewell service will be held on November 25th, 2020 at Paradise Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, 9300 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 at 2:00 pm.
Our condolences to the Walden family
From the Clinton Family
Prayers to the entire Walden Family
My heart was so heavy to hear of the loss of my friend. My life was truly blessed to be his friend. My condolences to Sophia and children. May GODS blessing continue to cover you all. Terry Hicks Wesson
To the Walden family our sincere condolences from the William’s family.
I will miss talking with my cousin!
Hi Sophia this is your friend Sophia we met a year ago at Atlanta Airport heading to St. Lucia. I’m so sorry for your loss . God bless you and your family in the time of your sorrow.
Our sincere condolences goes out to Mrs. Sophia Walden and family.
“He is gone but will not be forgotten” may his soul great in perfect peace with the Almighty God.
Condolences goes out to the Walden Family. May the Almighty God grant you the strength, to overcome your sadness.
We share in your loss. Bill was a wonderful individual, who demonstrated that he cared for all persons with whom he interacted. He would take time to find out if all was well with others and would offer valuable advice, which when implemented always turned out to be extremely helpful. He enjoyed sharing stories of his time in college, the experiences he gained during his involvement in sports, and the love, pride and joy he has for his family.
My condolences to the Walden Family.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Sophia and family, our prayers will continue for Gods peace and His presence within you to give the comfort only He can give. I have many memories with Bill at church, Deacons meeting, etc. He was a godly man and always wanted to do the right thing. May our Lord richly bless you all in the days ahead!
Sophia know that you are blessed May God comfort you and the family during this time.
He shall cover the with his feathers and under his wings shall thou trust (psalms 91)
Love Aunty Flo and Brother Mc Neil
To my sister Sophia and her family may god continued to be with you in time of your grief. May he comfort you always .
From your brother Mervin and all his children . Expecially Janice Brenda and Deborah.
My condolences to the Walden family, please know that I am praying for each family member. May you feel Jesus’ strength and peace during this difficult time .
Delphine Henry.
Our heart goes out to you and your family. Such a kind man Sophia. God bless you and the kids. May God give you peace during this very difficult time. Love you
Deb and Dan
To my wonderful Aunt Sophia. Soo sorry to hear about Bill passing . May God comfort you and my cousin .
Janice