James William WALKER

James
Aug 21, 1933
Sep 5, 2018

Lois
Aug 24, 1933
Aug 27, 2017

Funeral services for James William Walker, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 7, 2018 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Walker passed away at 12:33 a.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Ozarks Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones after a hard fought battle as a result of two recent heart attacks.
He was born August 21, 1933 in a small rock house in Calico Rock, Arkansas. His family moved to Gainesville, Missouri where he spent his childhood and young adult life. During the sixth grade, a bond was formed with a young lady by the name of Lois Payne whom would later become his wife on March 28, 1953. They were married 64 years, and lived in Gainesville, West Plains, and Cabool. After Lois' passing in 2017 James' zest for life diminished as he grieved deeply. James' strong work ethic began as a young man at Walker Lumber in Gainesville. James and Lois' work life together began in 1969 establishing Walker Insurance Agency and later Owens Insurance Agency, finally retiring in 2013. James and his family joined First Baptist Church in 1960. He was a devoted Christian whose faith sustained him until his passing. The friendships he and Lois formed at FBC would last a life time. All those touched by these friendships cherish these memories dearly. One trait that James passed to his sons, Jerry and Michael, was the love for tennis and running. Many were not aware of his quiet competitiveness which he instilled in his boys. James, Jerry and Michael spent sun up to sun down playing endless sets of tennis. Lois took great pride while watching her husband and boys play and packed many a cooler with sandwich and drink. Lois was jokingly referred to as the tennis widow. James later found a love for running that would lead to his participating in 5K's, 10K's and ultimately a half marathon. Those who knew James enjoyed his sense of humor and love for sharing stories of past. His friendly and kind demeanor lightened any conversation with laughter that will echo in the hearts of family and friends.
Family that will continue to treasure memories are two sons; Jerry Walker and wife, Chrissy and their daughter Sophia, of West Plains, Missouri; Michael Walker and wife, Anush, of Burbank, California; granddaughter, Hillary Tugwell and husband, Jim, and their children, Emma, Kate, and James, of West Plains, Missouri.; brother, Bobby Walker and wife Nancy of Gainesville, Missouri; and special friend, Bobbie Casey of West Plains, Missouri.
His parents, Charlie and Debra, his wife, Lois, three brothers, Charles Jr., Walter, and Sid, and two sisters, Irene and Mary, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.

Funeral services for Lois P. Walker, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 1, 2017 at First Baptist Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Walker passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, August 27, 2017.
Lois was born August 24, 1933 near Mtn. Home, Arkansas and grew up in Gainesville, Missouri, where she attended school. Not only did she graduate from Gainesville High School in 1952, she also met the love of her life, James W. Walker. The couple met in the 6th grade and then married March 28, 1953. They were married sixty-four years, and had lived in Gainesville, West Plains and Cabool. James and Lois’s work life together began in 1969 establishing Walker Insurance Agency and later Owens Insurance Agency, finally retiring in 2013.
Lois was a proud Christian woman. In 1960 Lois and James became members of the First Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri. Not only did she find spiritual knowledge, strength and joy at FBC, she and James were part of a special group of forever friends that shared every moment of each other lives. The bond that tied Warren and Ruth Fletcher, George and Pat Osborn, Perk and Louise Perkins, Newt and Carolyn Brill, Ken and Peggy (later Joan) Gammill, Harold and Ina Tipton, Roy and Pattye Lester, Leroy and Betty Vaughan, Dane and Dorothy Ann Smith was actually thick as blood and they considered each other family. Through the years they shared many monthly dinners, numerous family milestones and adventures that usually turned into someone’s car trunk full of antiques. Those still here cherish these memories, while many of the others who have graduated to be with their Lord are now rejoicing as Lois has joined them. During their marriage Lois and James had two sons, Jerry and Mike. Lois was a proud mother of her boys and brought them up in church and did her best to instill her strong love of the lord and her church. Along with the love for her sons, Lois adored her first granddaughter, Hillary Walker (step-daughter of Jerry Walker and mother Dottie Summers). Her love for Christmas was infectious and many blessed memories surround this season. In 2005, Lois experienced a love like no other, a fireball of a granddaughter, Sophie Walker was born. Sophie lit the Walker home once again with joyful laughter and innocence that gave the family purpose. Lois taught Sophie many old school traditions and values, but among the most important was Christian faith and love of family. Special memories will be forever cherished of the Pumpkin Patch, Christmas and Easter Sundays. Lois spent many years enjoying entertaining and traveling, but dear to her was the beginning of spring which brought about her love for her flowers and lawn appearance. In our family, she was famous for her pies, rolls and Christmas Casserole (which Hillary and Sophie are already searching for the treasured recipe). Lois was also known for her impeccable fashion which involved her beloved friend, Florence James. Her taste in antiques and home décor brought about many items her family will cherish and remember her by.
er parents, Verdon and Madge Payne, brothers, Verdon Payne Jr. and wife Illa Dean Payne, and Bob Payne, precede her in death.
She is survived by her husband, James Walker, of the family home; two sons, Jerry Walker and wife, Chrissy and their daughter Sophia, of West Plains, Missouri; and Michael Walker and wife, Anush, of Burbank, California; granddaughter, Hillary Tugwell and husband, Jim, and their children, Emma, Kate, and James, of West Plains, Missouri; two nieces, Verdenna Lavaar and husband, Guy of St. Louis, Missouri and Phyllis Fruen and husband, Hank of St. Louis, Missouri; as well as two sisters-in-law, grand nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.

Contributed on 9/15/23 by mjrwag
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Record #: 832007

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