Melvin "Mel" E. Walden

Melvin Eugene Walden, age 71, of Hilliard, Ohio, died Friday, August 3, 2018 at home. Born in Louisville, GA, Mel, parents and brothers moved to Philadelphia, PA where he attended grades 1-12 graduating early in 1964. He left home to attend N.C.A.&T. State University where he was a member of Iota Phi Theta fraternity and chief photographer for the University year book. Mel remained in contact with many of his Frat Brothers over the years. He entered the N.C. National Guard as enlisted for three years. He then went to O.C.S. and became a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserve. In 1973 he married Sandy and joined Xerox as a service technician all in the same month! Mel retired after 30 years at Xerox Corporation where he worked as a Service Tech and Manager and Account Sales Manager. After failing retirement, Mel went to Hondros College to become a property appraiser. After one year of appraising land and homes he returned to the copier business world. For twelve years, Mel worked at ComDoc as Account Sales and Service Manager. He then fully retired in 2012. Mel was elected to the Board of Directors at Manors of Homestead in 2016 after moving to the condos in 2013. He founded Town Meetings for the Residents to bring issues directly to the Board and discuss among the residents. Mel worked for many years organizing and working with charities and community volunteers. Special Olympics held a special place in his heart. He played golf for many years both locally with friends and on every vacation until two knee replacements ended his “career.” Mel loved whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers in West Virginia until a friend almost drowned on one of Mel’s trips. He loved snow skiing until he tore his ACL in Show Shoe, WV. He skied for many years while living in North Carolina. Mel vacationed in Sedona, AZ where he and Sandy visited over ten times. Through his employment he earned trips to Acapulco and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, Costa Rica, Saint Lucia and Hawaii. He and Sandy found Sedona, AZ and the entire state of Hawaii were their favorite places to visit and considered buying property in Sedona. Mel adopted six Old English Sheepdogs over a span of 40+ years and considered them to be his children. Even though he was not an alumnus, Mel loved The Ohio State Football and Ohio State Men’s Basketball teams. Mel and Sandy had season tickets for both since 1987. They attended nearly every OSU Men’s Basketball games since becoming season ticket holders. Mel was a Boy Scout until the age of 18, lastly a Life Scout. He mentored several who ultimately became Eagle Scouts. Mel loved his country, not afraid or embarrassed to show his pride flying the USA flag at every USA holiday. He was Honorably Discharged from the North Carolina Army National Guard and Army Reserve as a 2^nd Lieutenant. He was last stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC. His love and good treatment of all people is shown today by many saying that “Mel never met a stranger.” He was known by many children and some adult friends as “Mr. Mel.” He was a logical thinker, able to process almost any situation. Mel will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Maggie Walden and by his brother Rufus William “Billy” Walden. Mel is survived by his loving wife Sandy Walden, brother Maurice Walden, brother-in-law Steve Edgington, sister-in-law Nanci Edgington and his many, many friends. A Memorial Service will be held 2:00p.m. SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018 at TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, OH 43026 (614)-876-1722 where family will welcome friends before the service from 1:00p.m.-2:00p.m.  A gathering to Celebrate Mel's life will be held at the Rusty Bucket Patio after the Memorial Service.  The Rusty Bucket is located at 3901 Britton Parkway, Hilliard, OH 43026 (14)-777-5868.  Food and drink will be on your own.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Melvin's memory to the OSU James Cancer Hospital, Neuro-Oncology Novel Therapies and Research Fund #314420. Online send to: giveto.osu.edu or mail to: The James Development, 660 Ackerman Road, PO Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218-3112. If donating, please state that your donation is in Memory of Melvin Walden. Please share a favorite story of Mel or leave your condolences on this webpage.