Blair Walker

Blair Michael Walker, 52, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2011, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center after a lengthy struggle with illness, ultimately succumbing to respiratory complications. The world lost a bit of sunshine with his passing. Blair was born January 19, 1959, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Roland LaVon Walker and Dorothy McNeil Walker. He grew up on the family farm in Lewisville, where he developed a strong work ethic and developed a special love for farming from an early age. He graduated from Rigby High School. He went on to attend Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. After two years of full-time service in the Denmark Copenhagen LDS Mission, Blair returned home with honor and married his eternal companion, the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Deborah "Debbie" Call of Rigby, Idaho, on July 31, 1980, sealing their love together for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They were blessed with five children, Blaine, Mitchell, Marissa, Taylor and Madeline. He was also blessed this year with the birth of his first grandchild, Brynnlee, and meeting her was a precious joy. A true man of the earth, Blair continued farming and was proud to grow Idaho potatoes. Blair had an engaging and magnetic personality, with a way of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. He genuinely cared for others and never, ever stopped thinking about how to serve. He did not have acquaintances, only friends; Blair was a model of genuine sincerity and shared freely with those he loved. Blair was a committed and humble follower of his Lord and Savior. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various capacities, including Stake High Council, as Elders Quorum president, and especially loved serving as Young Men president. Blair's young men loved him as much as he loved them. Blair is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie, who lovingly cared for him during his illness of several years; his children, Blaine and Idolina Walker, Mitchell and Amy Walker, Marissa, Taylor, currently serving in the Texas San Antonio LDS Mission, and Madeline "Maddi," all of Idaho Falls; his granddaughter, Brynnlee; his mother, Dorothy Walker of Lewisville; and his brothers and sisters, Marla (Jay) Evans, Celia (Blair) Erickson, Jan (Brad) Gordon, Rollie (Sally) Walker, Lorin (Vikki) Walker, and Keith (Allyson) Walker; and countless cousins, nephews, and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Roland. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 8, 2011, at the Idaho Falls LDS North Stake Center, 955 Memorial Drive (next to the Idaho Falls LDS Temple), with Bishop Kelly Mallard of the Sage Creek Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Lewisville Cemetery.

Funeral Services -- Saturday

11:00 a.m. ,Saturday, October 8, 2011 Idaho Falls LDS North Stake Center 955 Memorial Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, and Saturday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Lewisville Cemetery.