Page 32 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine 2020 Spring - Online Magazine

where they have lived grandchildren.” They are so proud of all of them.
for 54 years. Bill and Norma wanted to be a doctor and is delighted that all
Norma are active in three of her daughters chose the medical field. Cory
their church, where they followed his dad into farming.
sang in the choir for 50
years. The former Seabee is also proud of his family heritage.
Ernest Walden, Sr. served in WWI and all four of his
Bill has been active sons served our country during the Korean War. Paul,
in many farm-related a graduate of WT, was stationed at a missile silo near
organizations, including Philadelphia and went on to become “one of the best
serving on the Farm high school Science teachers”. He still lives in Olton.
Bureau Board for over Travis, who served in Germany, graduated from Tech
four decades, and has and now lives in Waco. Amos served in Korea and
delivered Meals on Wheels twice a week for lives in Lubbock. (His story was in the Winter edition
many years. of Lubbock Senior Link.) Every soldier, sailor, airman or
Marine serves with the knowledge that his service may
At 89, he is beginning to slow down a bit, although mean injury or even death. Bill’s dad was injured in
Norma says he is always willing to do whatever WWI, but that did not deter his four sons from doing
he needs to do and more. “He’s always repairing their duty when Uncle Sam called.
something.” Bill enjoys woodworking and has
rebuilt several old wagons, built a Ferris wheel for As we flip through the pages of the life stories of
his children, and even carved 250 wooden crosses for people like the Walden brothers, it is evident why they
members of their church. are members of The Greatest Generation. Their stories
aren’t often splashed across the internet but allowing
“We have had a real fantastic life,” Bill says. Their ourselves to be reminded of their sacrifice is the least
four children live nearby – the girls, Debra, René and we can do to honor their service. And like so many
Karen, in Amarillo and son Cory in Hereford. They of their peers, Bill and Norma have gone on to live
have nine grandchildren, and “a houseful of great exemplary lives worth noticing and emulating.

Senior Link staff is

beginning work on our

Fall Veterans issue

We are always interested in every story, but for this particular issue we will be
featuring those among us who have been awarded Purple Hearts or Gold Stars.
If you know of an individual in the West Texas area who has earned a Purple
Heart or a Gold Star Family, please send us their contact information. Those
stories will be highlighted among many others in our annual Veterans edition.

Contact Amarillo Senior Link at (806) 441-3955 or erin.slm@outlook.com

32 Amarillo Senior Link