Joseph “Joe” Herman Walden, 81, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. He was born on August, 7, 1938 in Union County, NC, son of the late Solon Joseph Walden and Kathleen Mangum Walden. He is also preceded in death by two sisters; Mary Alice Walden Shearin and Deborah Jane Walden. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 2:00pm at Gordon Funeral Chapel, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 pm at Gordon Funeral Service. Mr. Walden is survived by daughter, Dana Walden Slawter (Sutton) of Winston Salem NC, and son, Brian Scott Walden of Charlotte, NC and his cherished significant other, Evelyn “La” McLeod of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his brother, Arthur Walden (Billie) of Walterboro, SC; four sisters, Lillian Broome, Peggy Walden and Dawn Starnes (Stacy), all of Monroe, NC and Lisa Castle (Jerry) of Moravian Falls, NC. Mr. Walden was also a beloved “Poppy Joe” to Preston Slawter of Winston Salem, NC, Jesse Kimbell (Michelle) of Sacramento, CA and Savannah Walden of Charlotte, NC. Joe is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and very special extended family members. Mr. Walden attended UNC-Chapel Hill and retired from Sara Lee Corporation with more than 25 years of service. He also served in the Army National Guard. Joe loved cars, walking every day and dancing. He was active in the Monroe Shag Club for many years and loved to travel to SOS (Society of Stranders). To say that bridge was Joe’s “hobby” would be an understatement. Joe was an avid bridge player for nearly 60 years and he achieved his Diamond Life Master ranking, an extremely challenging pursuit. He was an active member in the Charlotte Bridge Association and enjoyed many lifelong friends through this organization. The family would like to express a special thanks to Hospice of Union County for the extraordinary care given to Joe. We would also like to thank La McLeod for opening her home for in home hospice care. It enabled Joe to have a peaceful and loving transition. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe NC 28110. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Walden Family.