Owen Walker

OWEN WALKER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Owen John Walker, 86, passed away January 29, 2010, at his home in Ammon of causes incident to age. He was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice. Owen was born April 11, 1923, in Grant, Idaho, to Edwin Roland Walker and Ethel June Webster Walker Andrew. He grew up in Lewisville and attended schools there and in Midway. He served in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor for his bravery on a bombing mission. After the service he fulfilled a two year LDS mission to the Southern States. He married Venice Nadine Johnson January 14, 1949, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They raised their six children in Rexburg. He learned carpentry skills and worked for 35 years at the INL as a finish carpenter. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as Bishop, counselor to four Bishops, Scoutmaster, and Explorer leader. Owen was an avid scouter, participated in scouting his whole life, and was awarded a Silver Beaver by the BSA. He loved music and playing the accordion and harmonica. He especially loved barbershop and listening to his grandchildren sing and play their musical instruments. Owen loved people and people loved him. Everyone he met became his friend. He is survived by his wife and six children, Alecia (David) Racker, Jeanette (David) Weaver, Ryan (Michel) Walker, Laurie (Brad) Nielson, Layne (Laurel) Walker, Marilyn (Dan) Smith, 35 grandchildren and 52 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Lois Hilterbrand, Lorna Vance, and Otis Walker. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Merrill and Von, one sister, Rhyliss Summers, two grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon, Monday, February 1, 2010, at the Ammon LDS 14th Ward, 4363 East 17th Street, with Bishop Alex Hoffman officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10 to 11:45 a.m. on Monday at the church. Burial will be in the Rexburg Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Military Rites will be performed by the Madison County Veterans Memorial Team. ----------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Ann/J.D. Hancock Dear Venice and family, Owen was a delight to be around. Whether Kayaking down the salmon River, climbing Table Rock, attending scout camp, participating in ward outings and high adventures or picking huckleberries — Owen was the “light and life of the party!” As a counselor in the 5th Ward Bishopric, he was a great help and support. His warm out-going personality touched the life of every ward member. He went the extra mile in fulfilling every assignment and responsibility. Owen especially endeared himself to the widow and elderly. The Rexburg 5th ward has not been the same since the Walkers moved to Ammon. Venice and Own are exemplary members of the Church. The gospel is their way of life. Owen loved serving in the temple. They truly love each other and their family members. We look up to them as positive role models. We appreciate and love them so very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. JD and Ann Hancock Marla Walker Evans and Jay I have been thinking constantly about your loss. I truly love your family. Probably my favorite and Venice, I loved coming into your home and being around you and Owen. Alecia and I could sit down and talk for hours and still talk some more. I love her and want her to know that. The same goes for all your children. . Many memories were made in your home, and at family gatherings and reunions. thank goodness we always have our wonderful memories. Thank you for your example. Thank you Venice for being my friend.. I'm grateful for the gospel to know we will be together again and continue on with our family. Death seems to be a gift from our earthly health conditions which seem to go as we get older, don't they. I want you to know why I can't be there for the funeral. I am not doing very well right now and I'm going in for a procedure on my back and leg Monday morning. It takes weeks to get in and I'm just not able to ride that far. Please know how I wnat to be there for you. Know I love you and your family. Know that my thoughts andn prayers are with you and I will come see you when I do get to Idaho. Our prayers will be with all of you and I know heavenly Father will be with you, even though it won't be easy and Owen will be greatly missed. All my love, Marla Walker Evans and Jay Brad and Jan Walker Gordon Dear Aunt Venice, Alecia, Jeanett, Ryan, Laurie, Layne and Marilyn, We wanted you to know that our hearts are full for you at this time. The three brothers joined each other on the other side quite quickly, didn't they! I'm sure it was a grand reunion to see Aunt Phyllis, Uncle Merrill and dad...along with Grandpa and Grandma. I have such good memories of being together with each of you as cousins and loved to watch Uncle Owen play his accordiaon with his dancing man on his knee at our reunions, those were good times. Uncle Owen and you Aunt Venice, were always so kind to me. We hope that tomorrow will be a day of warm memories and a time of reflection on all the good times you had togther. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. We love you so! Jan and Brad Gordon Salem, UT