Richard Maurice Walden

Richard Maurice Walden, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2009 at the age of 69 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice F. Walden and Anathalie Frost Walden, and by his sister, Mary Ann Walden Poor and her husband David S. Poor. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Shirley Tucker Walden; his son Richard M. Walden, Jr., wife Elizabeth and their sons Christopher and Nicholas Espinosa; his son Don E. Walden, wife Teresa and their sons Ryan and Michael Walden; daughter Karen Walden Jones, husband Gary R. Jones and their daughters Meagan and Caroline Jones; son Stuart Lindsay Poor II, his son David S. Poor II and wife Jeannie; and daughter Jennifer Lee Walden. Richard was born on June 20, 1939 in Austin. After meeting Shirley in high school in Chickasha, Oklahoma, he attended the University of Texas on a track scholarship. Richard and Shirley were married in 1960, and Richard graduated from the UT Dental School in 1964. After graduating from dental school, he served in the U.S. Air force for two years. While raising five children, Richard never missed any of his children's many school activities or sporting events. For 40 years he maintained a successful dental practice in Northwest Austin, where he was loved by his patients not only for his ability as a dentist, but also for the kind and personable manner with which he treated them. He was an avid outdoorsman who especially loved big game hunting, which he pursued until his health no longer allowed it. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home located at 3125 North Lamar. A service honoring Richard's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2009 at St. David's Episcopal Church followed by a burial at Austin Memorial Park. Following the burial the family will receive guests at the home. For those wishing to give a memorial in lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in Richard's name to the charity of the donor's choice.