February 23, 2021
REST IN PEACE
Robert Joseph "Bob" Walden passed peacefully away on February 23, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Bob later went on to become an ordained Catholic priest in 1954. He served as the High School Chaplain at Incarnate Word High School, a therapist and provided sprirtual direction and guidance to many. Bob was also a board member of CORPUS – Corp of Resigned Priests United for Service. His connection with God ran deep, and Bob's ability to be present was an enormous gift. An advocate for the married priest movement, he went on to marry the love of his life, Mary Catherine. Bob loved camping and particularly "going west" on trips to celebrate his birthday and wedding anniversary. When not "out west", Bob could be found cooking, spending time with his family, and drinking his favorite beverage, a scotch & soda. Bob was also a pilot and scuba diver, which helped grow his love of exploring and traveling. He is preceeded in death by his parents, Martha and Thomas Walden; his sister Jean McCullough; and his step-children, Thomas & Kristen Menger, and Paul Young. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary Catherine "Molly" Walden; his daughter, Shonna Walden Cooper; his grandchildren, Elise, Jackson, Sophia, Elliot and William; his step-children, Matthew Menger, Tammy Fernandez Menger, Kim Menger Taylor (Pat), Kerry Menger Kirtley (Paul), Todd Menger (Nancy); and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. "I know I'm not as smart as I think I am, which I think means I am smarter than I know."-Robin Meyers.
Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m, Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church.
MASSWEDNESDAY,
MARCH 3, 2021
AT 10:30AMST. MATTHEW'S
CATHOLIC CHURCH10703 WURZBACH RD 78230 For those unable to attend Mass, you can view a livestream of the service on Bob's obituary at www.porterloring.com. A procession will follow to Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Bob Thomas, Todd Menger, Matt Menger, Elliot Young, Jackson Cooper and Sophia Cooper. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements with
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Condolences:
Molly Walden
3015 Quintin Way
San Antonio, TX 78230
Taken from 2021 Spring Edition of CORPUS REPORTS
CORPUS celebrates the gift and grace of Bob Walden. Robert Joseph “Bob” Walden passed peacefully away on February 23, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Bob later went on to become an ordained Catholic priest in 1954. He served as the High School Chaplain at Incarnate Word High School, a therapist and provided sprirtual direction and guidance to many. His priestly journey was chronocalized in the first chapter of Shattered Vows by David Rice. Along with three other newly ordained priests, Bob ministered in the barrio of San Antonio. His commitment to “reflect the face of God” went beyond “saying mass” and other sacraments. He entered into the lives of his parishioners and lifted them up religiously, socially and economically. In 1968, his bishop distributed a statement on Humane Vitae with the demand that it be read at each Mass. Bob refused. That action led to a series of exchanges. Bob was reassigned, but he also refused. He remained in the rectory when a replacment was sent. Ultimately, the bishop threatened action against the parish. Bob resigned his clerical priesthood. His connection with God ran deep, and Bob’s ability to be present was an enormous gift. An advocate for the married priest movement, he went on to marry the love of his life, Mary Catherine, affectionately known as Molly. Along with an incredible team of passionate CORPUS members, Bob and Molly facilitated the 1993 Annual CORPUS conference. It was a weekend fiesta filled with faith, family and fun. The closing liturgy with a procession of small children dancing to a mariachi band lives on in our memories. The original planning group meets monthly for Eucharist to this day. Bob was elected to the Board of CORPUS, the National Association for a Married Priesthood. He was a gentle giant in leadership and was instrumental in sharing his wisdom during some tumultuous times for CORPUS. He was asked to serve as the CORPUS Ambassador to Mexico and established several long standing connections. He also served as Treasurer, regularizing our financial status and exploring invesntment opportunties. During some of our more dark periods, the Board considered CORPUS’ demise. Bob always cautioned that as long as two or three members were still active, we should keep the lights on! Bob loved camping and particularly “going west” on trips to celebrate his birthday and wedding anniversary. When not “out west”, Bob could be found cooking, spending time with his family, and drinking his favorite beverage, a scotch & soda. Bob was also a pilot and scuba diver, which helped grow his love of exploring and traveling. Bob loved keeping in touch with friend. He never ended a con-versation without saying “I love you”.