Walter "Doug" Worden

A funeral service, to celebrate the life of Walter E. Worden, 88 of Newark, Ohio, will be held on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 1:00 PM at the Criss-Schoedinger Funeral Home, with Deacon Bob Ghiloni officiating. Burial will follow at Newark Memorial Gardens with Military Honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

Walter was born in New Lexington, Ohio on May 7, 1921 to the late William Earnest and Ruby (Kaldt) Worden. He passed away at the Selma Markowitz Care Center on April 29, 2010 while surrounded by his family.

He graduated from Newark High School, where he was a pitcher on the baseball team. He was also a member of a band, where he played the guitar. Walter proudly served his country in the United States Army-Air Corp. as a Sgt. in the 93rd Bomb Squadron, during World War II. He was a machine operator at Rockwell International for 25 years, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Newark Masonic Lodge, where he formerly served as Grand Commander and was a member of the Teheran Grotto in Newark. He was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan. He also enjoyed watching the Columbus Clippers and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He also enjoyed listening to country-western and polka music. Most important in his life was spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Survivors include three daughters, Sharon (Larry) Bagent of Heath, Rebecca (Robert) Bentz of Newark and Margery (Thomas) Boso of Millersport; two sons, Donald (Linda) Worden of Durham, NH and Frederick (Matthew King) Worden of Johnstown; daughter-in-law, Kim Worden of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; nephew, Michael (Jeanne) Cagney of Newark; 12 grandchildren, Amy Worden, Angela (Tom) Cover, Anthony Worden, Cory Worden, Theresa Worden, Sherri (Jim) Charnock, Doug Bagent, Rob (Brittani) Bentz; Adam Bentz, Erin Bentz, Pamela (Von) Miller and Brenda Worden; seven great grandchildren; and numerous other nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Wilma M. (Cagney) Worden in 2003; one son, William Worden in 2009; one sister, Doris Ryan; and one brother, David Worden.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Walter to Hospice of Central Ohio. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Family and friends may call at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark, Ohio on Sunday from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM.