WALDEN, WILLIAM RONALD "BILL", 90 , a beloved father, grandfather, and Korean War–era veteran, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas.

Bill was born on September 22, 1935, in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, to Alfred O. Sharp and Nina R. Spangenberg. From an early age, his life reflected hard work and initiative, attending a Lutheran school and selling newspapers on street corners. At just 17 years old, with his mother's permission, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he worked with Nike guided missile systems.

His journey eventually brought him to Wichita, Kansas, where he briefly worked as a dance instructor at the YMCA. It was there that he met the love of his life, Alice. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they were married on July 7, 1962, beginning a lifelong partnership marked by devotion and shared purpose.

In their early years together, Bill and Alice made their home in Andover, Kansas, where Bill served as a local police officer. Drawing from his military training and natural mechanical ability, first discovered at age 16 when he completely disassembled and rebuilt his bicycle, he went on to build a long career as an electronic technician, working for many of Wichita's major aircraft companies.

Bill's life was defined by quiet generosity and service to others. He was always willing to lend a hand, especially when helping others with vehicle repairs. His kindness extended beyond acts of service, he was deeply forgiving, magnanimous, and known as a steady peacemaker with a warm sense of humor. Neighborhood children were naturally drawn to him, often climbing into his lap and finding in him a sense of safety, kindness, and joy.

His faith played a central role in his life. Bill was instrumental in encouraging his family to attend Central Assembly of God in Wichita, a decision that had a lasting impact on generations to come. He faithfully served as a deacon at Andover Assembly of God, cared deeply for his church community, and invested in young lives as a Royal Rangers troop leader. A former Boy Scout himself, he later enjoyed camping alongside his grandchildren, continuing a legacy of mentorship and presence.

Bill had a lifelong love for fishing and camping, and he remained remarkably active well into his later years; walking miles, doing pushups, and playing with children on the playground even in his 80s. He taught his daughters how to drive a stick shift at a young age and enjoyed riding motorcycles for many years. His strong work ethic and commitment to family were evident throughout his life, including the many times he lovingly helped care for his grandchildren.

He also demonstrated extraordinary generosity when he used his GI Bill to help purchase a home for his mother and stepfather in south Wichita, one of many examples of his selfless character.

Bill is survived by his three daughters: Lois (Dale) Simon, Carol Walden (formerly Thyfault), and Susan (Paul) Machado; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; his brother, Charles Walden; and his sister, Sheila (Gerald) Walden-Roach. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred O. Sharp; his mother, Nina R. Spangenberg; and his sisters, Gail and Virginia Rae.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, generosity. His life was a testament to serving others, loving deeply, and living with humility and joy. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.