‘A true icon in our community.’ Columbus philanthropist John Walden dies
John William Walden Jr., whose generosity is memorialized in two athletics venues being named after his family in Columbus, has died.
Walden peacefully died Oct. 24, surrounded by his family, according to his obituary on Striffler-Hamby Mortuary’s website. He was 83.
His cause of death was not available before publication.
Walden, a lifelong Columbus resident, earned his living in the financial industry, first at Columbus Bank and Trust, then at Synovus Securities as a senior vice president and most recently at Stifel, where he also was a senior vice president before retiring in 2020.
But he made his most evident impact through his philanthropy. His years of donations to Columbus State University resulted in the Walden Soccer Complex and the John W. Walden Tennis Center (in memory of his father), as well as numerous awards, including the Herbert Greene Golden Cougar Award, the Charles B. Morrow Award, Honorary Alumnus Award and the Frank D. Brown Excellence and Achievement Award.
Walden was inducted into the CSU Athletic Hall of Fame and the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame.
He also created several endowments to support students pursuing excellence in athletics and the arts, including scholarships for students in the CSU Schwob School of Music.
According to his obituary, Walden served on community boards of the Historic Linwood Foundation, Girls Inc., Historic Columbus Foundation and the Pastoral Institute, and on the boards of several businesses, such as Sterling Payment Technologies, Edwards Manufacturing Inc., Steppingblocks and Bill 360.
Walden was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where he served in leadership roles, including junior warden, senior warden, vestry member, finance committee chairman, stewardship chairman, diocesan foundation board and diocesan investment committee.
In a post Tuesday on its Instagram account, CSU Athletics said honored the “icon.”
“Johnny was a true icon in our community and a cherished friend to Columbus State University,” CSU Athletics said. “… His unwavering support helped shape CSU into the institution it is today, and his legacy will continue to strengthen and inspire future generations of students, alumni, and community members. From opera to athletics, his passion and commitment left an enduring mark on our campus and throughout the Columbus community. We are grateful for his life, his leadership, and his lasting impact.”
Walden’s funeral service will be at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1130 First Ave., in Columbus on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m., with interment to follow at Linwood Cemetery, according to Striffler-Hamby.
