Jackie Paul Walden, 71, of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, passed away Monday, February 23, at his home.
Born on January 28, 1955, in Tompkinsville, a son of the late Dorothea (Short) Walden and Bertie Ellsworth Walden.
On January 14, 1977, he was united in marriage to Melvina Crowe at Athens Missionary Baptist Church. Together, they shared 49 years of marriage.
Jackie devoted his life to serving his community. He began working in ambulance services in 1973 and became the first paramedic in Monroe County in 1979. Over the years, he served as a paramedic in both Monroe County and Cumberland County. From 2003 to 2019, he served as Monroe County Coroner, providing compassion and care to countless families.
Jackie enjoyed cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team and collecting coins, but his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed sitting on the porch and watching squirrels, and he loved to show young children the moon. He was a member of the Athens Missionary Baptist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Melvina Walden of Tompkinsville; three sons, Jason Walden of Tompkinsville, Bradley Walden and wife Amber of Smiths Grove, Kentucky, and Kyle Walden and wife Kristi of Tompkinsville; one daughter, Carla Jo Walden of Tompkinsville; and an honorary son, Wesley Anderson of Illinois.
He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Alyssa, Gracie (Mason), Holden, Addison, Lilly, Layton, Spencer, Mason (Miranda), and Kyndall; two great-grandchildren, Mia and Maverick; and two brothers, Jerry Walden and Jimmy Walden, both of Tompkinsville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Connie Young and Susie Carol Walden, and four brothers, Rex, Noel, Ronnie, and Billy Joe Walden.
Jackie will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to service, his love for his family, and the lasting impact he made on his community.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 1, at Athens Missionary Baptist Church, at 2:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Ebenezer Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m, at Yokley Trible Funeral Home. Visitation on Sunday will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Yokley Trible Funeral Home, and after 1:00 p.m. at Athens Missionary Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jackie’s memory may be made to Athens Missionary Baptist Church or to Helping Monroe.
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