Donald Walden

THEBES, Ill. -- Donald Walden, 83, of Thebes died at 12:50 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2020, at home, surrounded by his wife and daughters, after a long, courageous battle of Stage 4 lung cancer with brain metastasis.

He was born March 12, 1937, at home in Fayville, Illinois, to Cletus and Julia Kelly Walden. He and Emilie P. Cotton were married Nov. 28, 1957. She died April 3, 1989. He and Betty Caldwell Stecher were married Nov. 12, 1993.

He was a member of Local Union No. 1 Ironworkers in Chicago since 1957. He was instrumental in building the IBM Building, Marina Towers and Cook County Jail in Chicago and Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, along with many more structures.

He is survived by his wife; daughters, Teresa (Robert) Jesenovec of Waukegan, Illinois, and Peggi (Terry) Ingram of Park City, Illinois; grandchildren, Michael and Adam Jesenovec, Amy (Jake) Zimmerman and Gregory (Ashley) Householder; and great-granddaughters, Remington, Macklynn and Murphy Zimmerman and Addison Householder. He is also survived by a special nephew, Tony Walden, of whom he was quite fond. Also surviving are stepsons, Ronald (Ramona) Isom and John (Kerry) Isom and their families.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, parents and siblings, Dale Walden and Betty Witzman Baugher.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no visitation or service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's memory to Shriners Hospital for Children, 6 Walnut St., Evansville, IN 47701; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or a charity of your choice. Sympathy cards may be mailed to Crain Funeral Home, P.O. Box 257, Anna, IL 62906.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.