If you’re involved in Plant City, you know Don Walden. A fifth-generation Plant City native, Walden traveled the world during his military career and eventually made his way back to his beloved hometown.
On Wednesday, Walden was officially named the 2018 Citizen of the Year. He was honored onstage and presented with the award by 2017 recipient Ed Verner.
Walden’s dedication to the city can only be described as immeasurable and steadfast. Despite being 89 years old, he continues to work full-time. Walden is the president of Donco Realty Inc., helped create the Community Redevelopment Agency in Plant City, a past chairman of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the past president of Plant City Kiwanis Club and the past president of the Tampa Association of Realtors.
Walden served in the U.S. Army for 22 years before returning to Plant City and eventually staking his claim in the real estate market. He served in Korea and Europe and did two tours in Vietnam. Verner shared a comical story at the ceremony of Walden training a pet poodle named Bobba Lew a fun trick while living at the Quantico Marine base in Virginia.
“Bobba Lew, would you rather be in the Marine Corps or be dead?” Walden would ask. The small poodle would then “drop dead” to the floor.
Despite his busy schedule, Walden always put his community first. Whether he is donating publicly or behind the scenes, Walden aways finds time to give to those in need. He consistently donates to South Florida Baptist Hospital, Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library, Plant City Entertainment, veterans organizations, high school scholarships and more.
The Citizen of the Year award is kept a secret from the recipient and members of the community until it is announced. Given annually by a committee and the leaders of local civic clubs, the award is presented to a resident who has demonstrated service above self. Potential recipients are nominated and voted upon until a final recipient is chosen for the award.
When his name was announced as the official winner, Walden stood and looked around the room before saying, “Well, I guess I know now why I had to get a haircut and a shave.”
Surrounded by his family, Walden shook the hands of city commissioners and hugged the necks of the dozens of well-wishers who surrounded his table. Several of those walked up with a smile and said, “Finally. It’s about time your name was called.”
Walden was one of the first people Verner met in Plant City and he has since been a staple at the many events and organizations held across town. One of the many ways Walden shows his dedication to his town is by being present at every single commission meeting. Verner said the characteristic is one of his hallmarks, something more people in town should strive for.
Over the years, Walden has received awards for his leadership in Kiwanis, the Realtors Political Action Committee and the Plant City Board of Realtors. He also has been involved in the Eastern Hillsborough Historical Society, the Plant City Arts Council, the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center and Plant City Entertainment. He also was one of the founding organizers of Plant City State Bank, which is now Wells Fargo.
“Truly, it couldn’t have gone to a more deserving guy,” Verner said. “It’s kind of shocking to a great many people that he hadn’t already received it a decade or more ago.”