Ernie Walden, 75, of Rockbridge, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born April 20, 1950 in Carrollton, to Odren and Ruby Lena (Fry) Walden. He married Mickey Motley, August 2, 1970 in Rockbridge, and she preceded him in death March 26, 2018.
Survivors include, his children, Katrina Walden of St. Louis, and Jeremy Walden of Greenfield, his grandchildren, Jada, Eric and Ethan Walden, his sisters, Wanda (Roy) Motley, Donna Walden, Jackie McAdams, Patty (Mike) Adams, and Opal Lawson, and his brothers, Jim (Deb) Walden and Lou (Ann) Walden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, Dorothy Campbell, and his brothers, Don, Truman, Earl, Herman, Dickie, Everett, Paul, and Bill.
Ernie served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a foreman at Rockbridge Castings before his retirement, and did sandblasting for Rockbridge Manufacturing and was considered “The Legend” at his trade. He was the president of the Flatlanders Black Powder Gun Club for many years. He loved being outdoors and was a selfless man always putting other’s needs in front of his own.
A visitation will be held from 4 until 8 pm Monday, Oct 6, at the Shields-Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield where a funeral service will be held at 10 am Tuesday, October 7. Burial will follow at Witt Cemetery in Rockbridge. Memorials are suggested to Witt Cemetery. Please leave a memory or condolence at shields-bishopfh.com.