Thurman Lewis Walden, age 89 was born May 31, 1926 in the Sixteenth Model Community of Coffee County to Lonnie Patton Walden and Rena Jones Walden. His death came on December 28, 2015 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

As a youngster, he was active in 4-H and received the 1981 Tennessee 4-H Alumni Recognition Award. His draft into the Army came during his senior year at Coffee County Central High School, sending him to the Philippine Islands, Okinawa and Korea in WWII. In the early 60's, Walden Bros. Food Market opened, with Thurman and his brother, Clifton ("Tip") as Co-owners. Eleven years later, he went to AEDC, working in Administrative Services, and retired from AEDC.

Community involvement included Tennessee Board of the American Cancer Society (2 terms), Coffee County Mental Health Assoc. (2 terms), Manchester Lions Club (Pres-'74/75), Coffee County Fair Asso.-Board of Directors (49 years), Coffee County Commission (2 terms). Announcing horse shows- many different breeds, but especially, The Saddlebred and Tennessee Walking Horse- was a 42 year long hobby in all the Southeastern states and including various tasks for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.

First, and foremost, Mr. Walden was a Christian, working and worshiping for many years with Red Hill Church of Christ, serving as its treasurer for 20 years; and, more recently, worshiping with the New Union congregation.

Thurman Walden was a caring and loving husband to his wife of 40 years, Linda Allmon Walden, to his son, Terry Walden, to his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and "Bud" Dowden, to grandson, Chad Floyd and great-grandson Cody Floyd, to granddaughter Brandi Stacy, and great-grandchildren, Zachery and Olivia.

Visitation was held Thursday, December 31,2015 at 4 to 7 P.M. and Funeral was held January 1, 2016 at 2:00 at the Central Funeral Home. Burial was at the Hurricane Cemetery.