Obituary
Gary Franklin Walden, 70, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away on May 12, 2023. He was born on October 8, 1952, in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. He was a son of Austin and Ladine (Groves) Walden.
He grew up on the family farm. He attended the First Christian Church in El Dorado Springs and was active in 4-H.
He graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1970 and received a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from the University of Central Missouri.
He married Jungkun (Susie) Yu on February 28, 1976, in Warrensburg, Missouri.
He was an engineer and a computer programmer. He worked for Remington Arms Company at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant for 11 years. He worked for the federal government at the Veteran’s Administration, the General Services Administration, and the Department of Agriculture for 26 years.
He enjoyed painting and photography. He kept an artist’s studio in the Livestock Exchange Building in Kansas City. He participated in many plein air painting competitions and exhibited his work at many art shows. He enjoyed fishing and working on antique tractors.
He and Susie traveled all over the United States and the world. They enjoyed spending time together at their property at Pomme de Terre Lake and visiting their daughter and her family in Austin, Texas.
He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Lee’s Summit since 1991.
He was a good husband and proud father and grandfather.
Survivors: wife, Susie, of the home; daughter, Deborah Walden-Hersh (Matt Hersh), of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Alex and Avery Hersh; brother, Gene Walden, of Kansas City.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. with a visitation starting at 2:00 p.m. at Langsford Funeral Home. Burial in Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
So very sorry for the loss of Gary. He was a very good friend and I always enjoyed it when he stopped by my office and visited on his way to and from the lake.
Condolences to Gene, Susie, daughter, and grandchildren.
I am so sorry to hear about Gary. I have many good memories of him from 4-H events and later family gatherings. And I always envied his artistic talent. His paintings are beautiful.
I am so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I graduated from high school with him in 1970. Obviously such a talented and an individual of high character. I am blessed to have been able to purchase one of his beautiful paintings a few years ago where it hangs in my dining room. He will be missed.
Dear Sister, I am thinking of you. And I love you very much.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be there
to comfort you in person. Wishing you comfort and peace
While you grieve. Holding you in my heart in this time of
mourning. May God Bless You Always.
Gary was a good friend of mine and a very good friend of my dad & mom! He was also a fishing buddy to many and would not hesitate to clean our fish. I have many pieces of his art in my house. My condolences to his wife Susie, daughter Deborah and brother Gene.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gary was a kind person and wonderful painter. He lived such a full life.
To Gary’s family and brother Gene…so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He and his family were neighbors of ours out in the country. We all rode the school bus together, plus I remember when Ladine and the boys moved to Warrensburg to go to college.
I am sorry to hear of Gary’s passing and sorry that I didn’t get to know my second cousin better.
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I was so surprised. We are cousins. I too grew up in ElDorado Springs, Missouri. I enjoyed seeing his art work. It must run in the family.
I too am an artist. God bless !
So sorry to hear that Gary has passed on. We were good friends at CMSU. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. May God bless.
To Sister Susie and family,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Gary’s passing. Sincere condolences from our family to yours. We are sorry we can not make it in person for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Thinking of you at this time! May memories of Gene and activities you shared be of comfort to you now!
Gary was a kind, thoughtful soul with a wonderful talent. Regards to his family. Our class of 70 will miss him
I join with you in entrusting Gary’s spirit into the hands of a loving heavenly Father. I will surely miss my painting buddy’s friendship and generosity.
We pray that you find comfort at this difficult time. Gary was a caring person that we are privileged to have known.