of Little Rock, AR

December 27, 1938 - December 3, 2022

Jerry Ken Vaden, 83, of Little Rock peacefully passed away on December 3, 2022. He was born December 27, 1938, in Randlett, OK to Kinnie and Juanita Vaden.

Jerry is predeceased by his parents and wife, Deborah Gallagher Vaden. He is survived by his wife, Donita Driggers Vaden of Little Rock; his children, Wade Vaden of Seattle, WA, Jill Vaden (Steve) of Seattle, WA; sisters, Shirley Weeks of Stillwater, OK and Kathy Parr (Dick) of Oklahoma City, OK; extended family, Theresa "Terri" Turner (Jimmy) and their children, Bryan, Thomas and Elizabeth of Belzonia, MS. Ashley DeHaven of Little Rock and Hiram "Alex" Alexander (Brooke) and their children, Miles and Eli of Bella Vista, AR and many loved nieces and nephews and their families.

Adventuresome, creative, and naturally athletic, Jerry enjoyed and excelled in many activities such as tennis, golf, water sports, camping, boating, landscaping and most importantly hunting and fishing with his son, Wade and their beloved labrador, Colby. His family has many fond memories of being included in his passions and adventures. He enjoyed long walks and conversing with his daughter, Jill. Together with Jill and her husband, Steve, Jerry and Donita trained to climb Mt. Whitney in Lone Pine, CA a thrilling event as a 12-14 hour hike on the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet.

In young adulthood, Jerry served in the United States Air Force stationed in Japan, as jet mechanic crew chief. His USAF team played baseball in the Philippines, which he enjoyed. With an honorable discharge, Jerry attended college at Oklahoma Central State College until his railroading career began.

In 1959, he was employed as a brakeman for Frisco Railroad in Oklahoma and found his lifelong career which became his passion. Jerry was exemplary and became a valued employee with management skills which expedited a successful career. He and his family moved frequently as he accepted greater responsibilities in the movement of the Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) railroad.

Jerry and his family lived in Tennessee; Texas; Oklahoma; Missouri and Washington State. In some states more than once. As a railroader, Jerry was honored to be selected to attend Emory University Graduate School of Business Administration which was an outstanding learning opportunity and accomplishment. For a short term he traveled to Argentina to help with and observe their railroad techniques.

Jerry retired from BNSF in a senior management position of Division General Manager in Galesburg, Illinois. He was a hard worker and a proud railroader.

As a member of Little Rock's Immanuel Baptist Church and later Chenal Valley Baptist Church; he enjoyed Bible study and worship with friends.

A Vaden family reunion in Oklahoma has been planned to celebrate Jerry's life. After which his ashes will be spread by his family in the landscapes and waterways he enjoyed.

Jerry's family would like to thank those who expressed their love in many ways including Chenal Valley Baptist Church, Hospice Home Care on Bowman Road and Roller-Chenal Funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Chenal Valley Baptist Church, Arkansas Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.

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