George Edward Walker Jr.

September 10, 1923 - May 20, 2015

George Edward Walker, Jr., son of George Edward Walker, Sr. and Fannie Bell Light Walker departed this life on May 20th, 2015 at his residence at the Presbyterian Manor Assisted Living in Farmington, MO at the age of 91 years, 8 months, and 10 days. George or “Jr.” as he was known was born on September 10th, 1923 in Lesterville, MO. On December 18th, 1948 in Centerville, MO he married Thelma Louise Powers who preceded him in death on January 15th, 2011. To this union three children were born: Sandy (Brad) Emerson of Kennett, MO and David (Terri) Walker of Ironton, MO. One son, Ronnie, died in a car accident on August 15th, 1969. Jr. was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ironton, MO and attended services at the Presbyterian Manor. He enjoyed singing the old traditional hymns. Jr. worked in timber most of his life. He owned and operated sawmills near Lesterville. As a child, while living at what would later become the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park, he escorted people down to view the rocks and water called the “Johnson Shut-Ins.” He was paid a nickel for his effort. At that time a walking trail did not exist nor was the Shut-Ins a state park. In 1969 Jr. and Thelma opened a dairy mart at the entrance to the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park. The home they built at that location was later washed away during the collapse of the Taum Sauk Reservoir. He worked hard throughout his life and took charge in making sure that the Walker Branch Cemetery was mowed and well cared for. Jr. loved playing pool with his grandsons, while jokingly trying to cheat at it, and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play high school and college basketball. In addition to his children, Jr. is survived by eight grandchildren: Jamie (Lori) Laramore of Cape Girardeau, MO, Jody (Pam) Laramore of Dexter, MO, Chad (Laura) Laramore of Kirkwood, MO, Kerry Emerson of Valley Park, MO, Brett (Erica) Emerson of Holcomb, MO, Kassie, Brock, and Blake Walker of Clayton, MO. Six great-grandchildren also survive: Katie, Luke, Grace, Garrett, and Lexie Laramore and Braylen Emerson. Preceding him in death were his wife of 62 years, Thelma, son Ronnie, and son-in-law, Larry Laramore. Four older siblings also preceded Jr.: Golda Walker Stricklin, Ottis, Marvin, and Cleo (Tince) Walker. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 23rd, at 11:00 am at the Cole Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, May 22nd, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Cole Family Funeral Home. Pallbearers were his eight grandchildren. Pastor Arron Boeving of First Baptist Church of Ironton, MO officiated. Jr. will be missed by his family and the many people who came in contact with him through the years. Memorials may be sent to the Walker Branch Cemetery Fund at 208 CR 208, Ironton, MO 63650. Online condolences may be made at www.colefamilyfuneralhomes.com