Obituary of Robert Walden

May 28, 1961 – November 1, 2021

Robert Walden.  Age 60 of Newport.

Beloved husband of Robin. Loving father of Shakeyla Boyce-Walden, Justus (Emma) Walden, Whitney Walden, Khye Walden, and Robert Walden, Jr. Dearest Grandfather of Amari Patterson, Makaila Smith, Norman Smith, Phoenix Jones, Isaac Walden, Isabella Walden, Maci Rae Walden, August Hines, and Elijah Hines. Dear Great grandfather of Aubrielle Patterson. Also survived by many nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by his parents; Isaac and Catherine Walden, and his brother Isaac Darnell Walden.

Life Story

On May 28, 1961, Robert Walden (Chico) was born to Isaac and Catherine Walden. Chico grew up in Southwest Detroit where he attended and graduated from Southwestern High School. Later in life he continued his education and graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts. On January 9, 1979, at the young age of 17, Chico was blessed with his oldest daughter Shakeyla. In November 1989, he met his future wife Robin and on October 1, 1991, they were blessed with his second child, their son Justus. On April 11, 1992, Chico and Robin were united in marriage; and on September 8, 1993, they were blessed with his third child, their daughter Whitney.

In October of 1995, Chico and Robin moved to Newport, Michigan where he remained for the duration of his life. On May 24, 1999, they were blessed with his fourth child, their son Khye, and on July 9, 2001, they were blessed with his fifth (and last) child, their son and his Jr., Robert. 

Chico loved his sports and would engrain that into his children as they grew. All his children inherited his passion for basketball. He loved to play basketball and played from a young boy throughout his life. He loved teaching basketball to children and did so by coaching for the Airport Schools Intramural Basketball League for over ten years. 

He was a beloved coach to hundreds of young students at Airport schools. He touched the hearts of so many parents and staff who grew to love him. Chico also loved the sport of football. He enjoyed watching his “sorry” Detroit Lions and his favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers, on Sundays.

But most of all, he loved his music. There was never a moment you wouldn’t hear him singing or see him dancing. He spent many years as a DJ at different establishments as well as many parties including his children’s graduation parties and family parties and gatherings. In April of 2014, he received the unfortunate news that he had been diagnosed with Prostate cancer. He immediately began treatment and underwent various treatments and surgeries during his fight. Fighting as hard as he could, in March of 2019 he received the news that the cancer had spread. He continued to fight and receive treatment, but on November 1, 2021, after a long battle, lost that fight.

Chico will always be remembered for his sense of humor, comedic jokes, wacky dance moves, and most of all, his infectious laugh. He follows his mom (Catherine), his Dad (Isaac), and his brother (Darnell) in death. He leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Robin, daughters Shakeyla and Whitney, Sons Justus (Emma), Khye and Robbie, grandchildren Amari, Makaila, Norman, Phoenix, Isaac, Isabella, Maci Rae, August and Elijah, and great-grandchild Aubrielle, as well as many nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.

Chico was a one-of-a-kind man who can never be replaced. Chico gained his wings and flew to a better place where he is pain-free and finally at peace. We all love you and we all miss you. Until we meet again.

Cremation will take place at The On-Site Crematory located within the Molnar Funeral Homes - Brownstown Chapel.