Dr. Emerson Coleman Walden, of Columbia, died June 3, 2009, at Howard County General Hospital after a brief illness. He was 85.

He was born to the Rev. Charles and Lillian Coleman Walden on Oct. 7, 1923, in Cambridge, and was the second of three boys.

His family moved to Washington, D.C., when he was 6, and he was educated at Mott Elementary, Shaw Junior High, Dunbar High School, Howard University and the Howard University College of Medicine.

A fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 1956, he completed his internship and residency at Provident Hospital, in Baltimore, where he later served as instructor of surgical nursing and chief of surgery. He also served Lutheran, South Baltimore General and Johns Hopkins hospitals.

With a rank of captain in the Air Force, he served as chief of surgical service at Mitchell Air Force Base, in Long Island, N.Y. A professional writer, Dr. Walden was elected president of the National Medical Association, the Maryland Medical Association and vice president of the Monumental City Medical Society.

He served as chairman of the NMA Board of Trustees and on the University of Maryland Board of Regents. He was a consultant to the White House Conference on Hunger and Nutrition, the President's Conference on Medical Care Costs and the NIH Division of Physician Manpower.

Dr. Walden, a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, was also a charter member of Tau Pi Chapter. A 33rd degree life member of Masonic Order King David Lodge #18 and Big Brothers of America, he had a special interest in the community and youth of Howard County, family members said. A major contributor to the restoration of the Ellicott City Colored School and Presiding Elder of the Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County, he actively participated in advocacy projects designed to uplift county youth, especially African Americans, family members said.

Dr. Walden, also known as "Butch" to some, enjoyed singing with the Bethel Senior Choir.

He is survived by his wife, of 63 years, Celonia B.; his sons, Dr. Emerson C. Jr., and his wife, Nancy, Dr. Thomas E. Sr., and his wife, Deborah; his daughter, Celonia A.; two grandchildren, Thomas Jr. and Angela; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held June 9, 2009, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, in Baltimore.

Memorial donations can me made to The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County, P.O. Box 1252, Columbia, MD 21044-1252; American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 or Howard University, College of Medicine, 520 W Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20059.

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