Wilson Walker

WILSON WALKER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Wilson Clark Walker, 86, passed away peacefully at home, Sunday, September 18, 2005, surrounded by family. He was born in Mt. Sterling, Cache County, Utah, July 12, 1919, to William Wallace Walker and Anne Lila Clark Walker. Wilson’s father died when he was 9 years old and he was raised by his mother and older sisters. He quit school in the 9th grade to work and help support his mother. At 16, he spent two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps at Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. He served three years in the U.S. Navy and was a medic aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock in the Asian theater. After his discharge from the Army he went to Driggs, Idaho, and, with his brother Hugh, opened Walker’s Fishing Flies and Guided Tours. He taught himself to tie flies and then taught many people over the years to fly fish. Isabel always said, “He was a Pro!" He met the love of his life in Driggs. He married Isabel Ida Durtschi July 12, 1947, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Ironically, this date is also the same date of their birthdays and they are the same age. He received his education from Ricks College and Utah State University. He taught industrial arts at Ashton High School, was a counselor at Hyrum High School, and then took a position at Ricks College in the Psychology Department, where he taught for 27 years. In the summers, when he wasn’t teaching, he had a painting business, painting homes. He spent his recreational time taking the family on picnics, camping, rock hunting, fishing, and swimming at Green Canyon. After his retirement, he and Isabel served an LDS Church mission as Directors of the Mormon Battalion Visitors Center in San Diego, California. He served in many church callings, including Sunday School President, Scout Master, Stake High Councilman in a Ricks College stake, and Bishop of the Ricks College 26th Ward. His hobbies included oil painting and making jewelry from rocks they collected as "rock hounds." He had a passion for fly fishing, was an avid bird-watcher, and enjoyed gardening, nature and his family. He is survived by his children, Marie Wood of Tulsa. Oklahoma, Marilyn Walker and Brent (Loura) Walker of Idaho Falls, Janeen (Rod) Jones and Annette (Robert) Ossmen of Provo, Utah, and Connie (John) Sasine of South Jordan, Utah; 25 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Isabel (just 2 months ago on July 20th), his son, Devon, his father and mother, his brothers, Ernest, Morris, Doug, Gene, and Hugh, and his sisters, Fern, Faye, Edna, Mae, Birdie and Blanche. The family wishes to express our gratitude to Qualicare, Marian Butler and Heidi Petersen for their loving and tender care of Dad in the weeks prior to his passing. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Wilson & Isabel Walker Humanitarian Fund at Key Bank. Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2005, at the Sugar City LDS Stake Center, 315 East 300 South, with Bishop Russell Thurston of the Sugar City 3rd Ward, officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave., in Idaho Falls and for Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Sugar City Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. ________________________________________ Condolences sent: Cindy Farmer (cinkir06@comcast.net) Family members, My name is Cindy Farmer. My mother is Glenda Walker McBride, the daughter of Doug (George Darrold) Walker. I remember your father from when I was younger and attended some family reunions. I smiled when reading the Obituary that your father loved fishing ... that brought back great memories of my Grandpa because he also loved to fish. May the Lord Bless you with the Peace & Comfort that you need at this time. I'm sure your Father is enjoying a great reunion with your dear Mother and other relatives! Love Cindy Farmer