Funeral services for 93 year-old Joe Ronald Walker, of Avinger, are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. The memorial will take place at Lakeview Funeral Home, 5000 West Harrison Road, Longview, with the Rev. Seth Buckner officiating. A designated time of visitation will be held at 9 a.m. preceding the services.
Joe Ronald Walker was born to Louise Nielson Walker and Raymond Walker on Aug. 29, 1930 in Marshall. He grew up in Marshall, Longview, as well as Santa Monica, Calif. He had been raised mostly by his grandmother, Mama Belle. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1948, and was drafted at 20 in the year of 1950. He served in the Army for two years during the Korean War.
After his tour of duty was finished, he returned to Longview to apprentice for his father as a movie projectionist. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Loretta Salsbury (Walker), while working at the Colonial Drive-In theater in White Oak, where she had been hired to work at the concession stand. They were married in Center, Texas on Aug. 2, 1956. Two years later, they were blessed with their precious son, Steve.
In 1955, Walker joined the newly formed United States Air Force. He served 18 years in many locations, including Mississippi, New Mexico, Alabama, Tripoli, Hawaii, Labrador, and Alaska. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he had achieved the rank of E7, Master Sergeant, in communications; with a total number of 20 years in the military, no less. He was fiercely patriotic, supportive of the military, and very proud of his service; especially his time in the Korean War.
His post-military career began at Shell Oil in Houston as a chemical operator, after which he retired 18 years later. He and Loretta wanted to move back to East Texas, where they later bought property and built a home. They not only enjoyed spending time with friends as well as traveling, but were also active members at First Baptist Church of Avinger. Additionally, they loved spoiling all their fur and feather “babies” in Eagle Landing, just outside of Avinger.
Joe Walker was a “fix-it” man, always disassembling something in order to rebuild and “improve” it. He would either wear his overalls or suspenders, along with his favorite Korean War veteran hat. Anytime he was asked how he was doing, his reply was “I’m fat, dumb, and happy, and two outta three ain’t bad!” Then he would give a hearty laugh at himself. Next, he would point his finger and say emphatically, “We don’t laugh enough!”
Joe Ronald Walker was preceded in death by his parents, his grandmother, several beloved pets, and an infant daughter he and his wife had named Brenda Jo Walker. Those left to cherish his memory are: his bride of 67 years, Loretta Walker; son Steve Walker and his spouse Peggy of Jefferson; grandsons Simon and Kyle Walker as well as their partners Shannon and Christine, both of Phoenix, Arizona; and niece Debra Wheeler.