Joseph Paul Walden, 92, of Olton, died Friday, June 13, 2025, in Olton, TX. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025, at Olton Methodist Church, with Brother Kyle Brock officiating. A reception will follow at Olton Methodist Church under the care of Ramage Funeral Directors. Visitation will be held from 1 to 7 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 19, at Ramage Funeral Directors.
Joseph Paul Walden was born April 5, 1933, in Amherst, TX, to Ernest William and Alpha Pearl (Edgin) Walden. Graduating from Olton High School in 1950, Paul attended West Texas State College, graduating in 1954. On April 4, 1953, Paul married Eva Osburn. Following his graduation, Paul served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. He also attended Texas Tech University where he received a master’s degree in Zoology and Physics. He received a Fellowship grant from the National Science Foundation to study biochemistry at the University of Michigan. He had a research grant for plants and radiation at Texas Women’s University and received a research grant from Atomic Energy Commission for radiation and biochemistry at McClellan Air Force Base, where he also taught at the college.
Paul was an outstanding teacher, farmer and hog raiser, as well as a scientist, rock collector, builder and woodworker, and gardener. When moving back to Olton in 1965, he started the South Plains Science and Engineering Fair. Paul taught school at Lefors High School, McLennan Community College, Dimmitt High School, and Olton High School.
Paul lived in many different places before returning to Olton in 1969. He attended the Olton Methodist Church. He was involved in the Lions Club and served as a volunteer firefighter in Springlake and Olton. He received numerous awards and honors over the years.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two brothers.
Those left to cherish his memory include his three daughters and their husbands; a brother; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Olton Cemetery Association, PO Box 1055, Olton, TX 79064 or the Olton Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 1087, Olton, TX 79064.