| Honored by: | Jeanni Walden Eckel |
| Brick location: | F:27 map |
Katheryn Homan Walden is the daughter of Kate Wilson and Jack Homan, born March 21, 1931 in Arkansas. She married Gene Pettus Walden in 1952 and had three daughters; Kathy, Patti, and Jeanni. In the late 1960s, with all of her children in school, Katheryn went to college to complete her education with the full support of her family, earning a bachelor's degree in English and graduating near the top of her class.
Accomplishing this difficult task taught all of her children how to persevere, and succeed; all of the daughters have college degrees. Jeanni acquired a B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University.
Katheryn (my mother) taught me to be aware of the feelings of others and never belittle another due to physical or mental difference - traits she seemed to naturally possess. It was not until later that I discovered that her difficult childhood led her to these sensitivities. I am awed that she overcame her issues to raise (with my father) all of her family with an abundance of love, kindness, and respect. Her guidance charges us to honor her by spreading the same to those we know and love.
Updated: 1/16/14