Howard Walden

Howard Walden Howard, H.D., H, Sarge, whatever you called him, you knew him as a guy who would do anything for you. Many people know him from Muddy. He was born in Harrisburg on September 15, 1929 to William and Opal Bean. He was raised in Muddy with his siblings, Kenneth, Bob, Dale, Chris, and Phyllis. Howard went in the Army Air Corp (1945-1947) and later into the United States Air Force (1947-1969). During his time in the service, he became a veteran of WW II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His service was also during the Cold War and the invasion of the Dominican Republic. Sarge accumulated several thousands of hours of flying time aboard the C-49, C-47, C-54, B-25J, B-29, C-130 and the B, E, and H Models. He was assigned to be an Aircraft, Helicopter, and Fixed Winged Maintenance Instructor at Gary and Sheppard AF Bases in Texas. He was also very proud of his 6 Air Rescue Missions for the Gemini-Apollo Space Shot aboard the HC-130H aircraft. For NASA, he was assigned to 3 projects at Langley AFB, which were on the Anti-Skid System, the Battlefield Landing Light System, and the Boundalaire Air Control. He retired from the USAF on October 31, 1969 as a flight engineer. After he retired from his service, he worked as an electrician for Peabody Coal. Also during his time of service, Howard made time for a family. Howard married Mildred Gibson. Together they traveled the country and raised three children, Debi, Suzy, and Jonah. Debi is married to Gary Crabtree. Debi and Gary have two children, Gary Jr. and David. Gary’s children are Maddie and Paige. David married Alice who have three children together, Mackenzie, Emmie, and Jordan. Suzy is married to Ink Sucharitakul. They have one son, Andy Sucharitakul, who is married to Kim. Together Andy and Kim have four children together, Matthew, Adam, Bailey, and Trevor. Jonah is married to Denise Gibson and they have three children, Scott, Kimmie, and Jacob. Scott is married to Beth, with four children together, Sommer, Austin, Dakota, and Praize. Kimmie is married to Jeff and have two children together, Nora and Winston. Howard also has three great-great grandchildren, Paisley, Lillie, and Beau. Along with family and his work, Howard stayed busy by his involvement with the Masonic Lodge, the York Rites, the Scottish Rites, and the Shriners. Howard was also a great gardener. He always put out a huge garden and often gave away food to people who were not as fortunate. On April 15 2021, Howard left this world to be in the company of his wife (Mildred Walden), his parents (William and Opal Bean), his brothers (Kenneth, Bob, and Dale Bean) his sister (Christine Disney), and his grandsons (Gary Jr and David Crabtree). He will be missed by many. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday April 20, 2021 at 1 pm at Cottage Grove Cemetery. There will be no visitation all friends and family should go directly to the cemetery. Reverend Scott Johnson will officiate. Military Rites will be performed by the Scott Air Force Base Ritual Squad. Felty Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, IL is assisting the family.