Leo Melvern Walker

Leo M. Walker passed away Sunday, October 20, 2013 at Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 83. Leo was born on May 25, 1930 in Rural Rooks County, Kansas to Loyal M. and H. Dora (Hoar) Walker. Leo grew up and lived his entire life in Rooks County. He attended school in Stockton and spent most of his adult life owning and operating Leo M. Walker Sand & Gravel for over 62 years. He never retired from it. He was united in marriage to Lorine R. Graham in Phillipsburg, Kansas on October 4, 1949. To this union were born nine children: Jim, Saundra, Phyllis, Marcia, Rhonda, John, Jerry, Joe, and Jay. Later they divorced. Leo was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Stockton. He loved spending time with family and friends, most especially of course, the Coffee Club boys. When he wasn’t busy working, which was seldom, Leo enjoyed watching a little television. He never missed the Gaither Gospel Hour, and at least once a week, he and his good friend Bill Atwill sat down together to watch the Vanna White Show, known to the rest of us as Wheel of Fortune. Left to cherish Leo’s memory are his children, Jim Walker of Stockton,KS, Saundra Ford of Albany, LA, Phyllis Gengler of Beloit, KS, Marcia Duncan of Stockton, KS, Rhonda Walker of Stockton, KS, John Walker and wife Darlene of Stockton, KS, Joe Walker of Bucklin, KS, and Jay Walker and wife Dayna of Buffalo, OK; brother, Verl Walker and wife Corolla of Folsom, CA; sisters, Wanda Jo Walker of Stockton, KS, and Anita Jo Cordill of Rockwall, TX; 22 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Loyal and Dora; son, Jerry; brothers, Merleon and William; daughter-in-law, Tammie Walker; sons-in-law, Frank Gengler and Don Driscoll; granddaughter, Bailey Walker, grandson, Eric Gengler, and step-grandson, Mike Driscoll. Leo was a hardworking, loving, and dedicated family man. He loved what he did and did what he loved. Although he will be greatly missed, his life, his love, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. In the words of his favorite Gospel singer Bill Gaither, “I’ve been blessed. This has been a great journey and a great trip.”