Dennis R. Walden

Dennis Ray Walden, 76, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 7:34 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, IL.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with flag presentation at 7:00 p.m. by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to the Shelby County Honor Guard.

Dennis was born on November 17, 1949, in Shelbyville, IL, the son of Lloyd Van Jack and Jenny Lee (Kruger) Walden. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1968. Dennis was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and served during the Vietnam era. When he returned from the service, he began working for M.J. Wilson Auto Company in Shelbyville, IL. Dennis later worked for C & EI Railroad, UPS, Risinger Brothers, Shelby Transport, Scherer and Walden Cabinet Shop, Shelby County Community Services and retired from IHI Turbo. He was a member of VFW Post #4829 and Roy Vanderpool American Legion Post #81 both in Shelbyville. Dennis had a love for old trucks, the St. Louis Cardinals and Little Debbie Snack Cakes.

He is survived by his “gal pal”, Marilyn Roberts of Shelbyville; daughter, Shannon Rene Miller of Shelbyville; sister, Sharon Harper (Jim) of Macon, IL; half-brother, Jack Walden, Jr. (Susan) of Springfield, IL; step-sister, Ginnie Martz of Yorktown, VA; five grandchildren, Gracie, Noah and Sam Miller of Shelbyville, Brian Roberts of Shumway, IL, and Myles Roberts of Altamont, IL; one great grandson, Owen; and his “future MIL”, Eva Roberts of Shelbyville.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Walden; mother, Jenny Walden Campbell; foster parents, Vallie and Mildred Boden; sons, Heath Livingston Walden in infancy and Travis Gray Walden; stepson, Michael Roberts; and half-brother, Billy Walden.