Walden Silva

Walden Silva, 92 passed away at his home in Council Grove, Kansas surrounded by family on June 28, 2025. He was born March 29, 1933 in Manhattan, Kansas to Gavina (Escobar) and Emmett Silva.

He grew up with sisters Carmen (Mickey), Margaret, Emma, and brothers Ray, David & Frank.

He was the devoted and loving husband to Mary Louise (Madrigal), his wife of 70 years. He was father to Paula, Cynthia, Jeffrey, & Valerie. He was Papa to Gregory, Austin, Nick, Shelby, Jordan, Colt, Brian, Brad, & Zane and Great Grandpa to Nadiya, Olivia, Kannon, Sage and Madelyn (arriving in October.)

His parents raised their family in Manhattan, Kansas where he attended Luckey Catholic School and later Manhattan High School. Walden played all sports in school and was an amazing baseball player.

Walden enlisted in the U.S. Air force on February 4, 1952 and was stationed in Korea during the Korean War. He served in the 46th Communications Squadron and was last stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.

During his service in the Air Force, Walden earned the following medals; Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Walden believed it was a privilege to have served his country and proudly wore his Korean Veteran Hat.

Walden married Mary Louise Madrigal on September 11, 1954, in Manhattan, Kansas. After his service in the Korean War, Walden used the GI Bill to attend Kansas State University (K-State) and graduated with two degrees; Bachelor of Science from the school of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He later attended Washburn University School of Law. He accepted employment with the Department of Health in Chicago. Moving the family to Chicago for 2 years.

In 1963, Walden accepted a job in Topeka with the Civil Rights Commission. Walden was a field investigator, gathering facts, interviewing the complainant, witnesses, and reviewing relevant documents. He was meticulous in compiling data and made many comprehensive case reports for review.

In his time away from work, Walden was a part of the GI Forum (Hispanic veterans fighting discrimination) and met many veterans who had experienced discrimination. Walden never wavered between what was right for everybody, not just a few. He taught his four children to be empathetic, and understanding towards people and cultures.

In 1965, Walden accepted a position with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as the Deputy Director of the Albuquerque office, and with the encouragement of Louise moved the family to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Explaining to many family members and friends that New Mexico was located in the United States.

Walden and Louise loved Albuquerque and they purchased a house in the Northeast part of Albuquerque with a beautiful view of the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Walden took the children to different locations in New Mexico and there were visits to the capitol rotunda watching lawmakers pass bills through committees and nighttime events at Popejoy Hall on the University of New Mexico campus.

After living in Albuquerque for many years, Walden accepted a promotion and became the Regional Director of the EEOC in Denver, Colorado. After several years, Walden retired. He took care of his first grandson, Greg. Walden loved taking Greg to the movies and reading his science fiction novels.

In 2017, Walden and Louise decided to return to Kansas and live in Council Grove. They purchased a house and land that originally was owned by Louise’s Great Grandfather.

Walden was a devoted Catholic and loved Jesus. He and his wife are parishioners of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Walden wore his scapula day and night. When he got up from bed, the first thing he did was put on his silver cross around his neck. He prayed for his family and others every night. If he fell asleep during his prayers, he would ask for forgiveness because he did not finish the prayer.

Walden had a true desire for learning and education. He was adamant that each of his children pursue a higher education. When we were younger he responded to teacher questions on every report card. “How can I help with their school work?” He made sure we sat at the table and worked on math and language arts. If you could not get the problem correct, he would help, but if you still did not get it, you might get the “bonk”. A joke between siblings and dad.

Walden loved when his out of state children came “home”. He always worried about his children and grandchildren and encouraged each to do their best.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His absence leaves a void in our hearts, but his memories fill that space. Things just won’t be the same without him.

Walden is survived by his loving wife Mary Louise Silva, daughters Paula Massey, Albuquerque, NM; Cynthia Silva, Denver, Colorado; Jeffrey (Hilda) Silva, Las Cruces, NM; Valerie (Steve) Hiegert, Council Grove, KS; nine grandchildren, Gregory Montanez, Austin Silva (Amanda Wachtel), Nick (Brianna) Massey, Shelby Massey, Jordan Silva, Colt (Mallory) Hiegert, Brian Burbach, Brad Burbach, & Zane Silva; four great grandchildren Nadiya Chambers, Olivia Montanez, Kannon Chambers, Sage Massey & Madelyn Hiegert; brother Frank Silva (Newton, KS), sister Emma Thompson (NY) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Walden was preceded in death by both his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

A Rosary will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Council Grove on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 6:00 P.M, with a visitation following until 7:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday July 25th, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Andrew J. Sieler as the Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Council Grove. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose Landscape project.