David R. "Dave" Walden, 87, of Jacksonville, Illinois, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born January 6, 1938, the son of Frank Walden and Josephine (Brown) Walden. He married Shirley Grogan in Petersburg in 1959 and she survives.

Dave is also survived by two sisters, Mary Withrow of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Brenda (Jack) Blasko of Petersburg; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and two sisters, Peter Walden, Ruth Withrow, Ruby Heavner (surviving husband Bill of Chesterfield), and Samuel Walden.

Dave worked as a sound engineer at several different stations, including WJIL Radio and WJJY Channel 14 Television, both in Jacksonville. He then worked and retired from the State of Illinois, serving as a Meat Inspector for many years. He was then free to do whatever he wanted to do! He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where he helped with the sound equipment. He also served as the announcer for many years at the Jacksonville Raceway. Dave was a member of the Cass County Masonic Lodge, and enjoyed fishing, traveling, racing, playing cards, and entertaining. He especially enjoyed his time singing country music in the Ozarks.

A funeral service will be held 11:30 A.M. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Our Redeemer Church, with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will meet friends 4-6 P.M. Wednesday, January 7, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested to a fund that will be set up to honor Dave in care of Shirley Walden. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.