Obituary for Larry R. Walker
Captain Larry Ronald Walker (Ret.) MSHP, age 86, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at home with family by his side.
Larry was born June 7, 1936, in Anabel, Mo., a son of Owen and Ruth (Hill) Walker.
He grew up in rural Macon County and was a 1954 graduate of Macon High School. During his high school years, he enjoyed his time playing football and often told the story about how he played against Coach Pete Adkins’ team when he was a young coach at Centralia High School.
After high school, Larry began work at Gillioz Construction Company and served in the Missouri Army National Guard until he was honorably discharged.
While working a construction job in Newburg, Mo., he met the love of his life, Jerry Lee Dillon, at a local store. They were married on August 27, 1955, in Newburg, Mo. and were blessed with 67 years of marriage.
Larry devoted over three decades to the Missouri State Highway Patrol before retiring in 1991. His career commenced in 1958 as a Drivers Examiner, and on July 1, 1960, he joined the Missouri Highway Patrol as a member of Troop I in Rolla. In 1969, he transferred to General Headquarters in Jefferson City, where he served in the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division. Throughout his tenure, he attended various law enforcement courses at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg to constantly be furthering his education. Larry continuously contributed his expertise to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division, ultimately retiring with the rank of Captain in 1991. During his retirement, he served as a Sergeant at Arms for the Missouri House of Representatives and became a licensed real estate agent.
Larry took great pride in his Christian faith and eagerly shared his beliefs with others. He received ordination as a deacon at Salem Avenue Baptist Church before relocating to Jefferson City. During his time in Jefferson City, he was an active member of Concord Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for over 50 years. Larry contributed his time as a volunteer in various capacities within the church and was a past chair of their deacon board. One of the most memorable experiences of his life was his visit to the Holy Lands in Israel, which afforded him the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Family held a significant place in Larry's heart. He dedicated countless hours to wholeheartedly supporting his children and grandchildren as they participated in a range of sporting events, including football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling. The sheer joy he experienced while witnessing their achievements was immeasurable. Those experiences made him an ardent fan of several teams: the Jefferson City Jays, where he was a former Jefferson City Football Booster, the Mizzou Tigers, and the United States Air Force Academy football team. He also loved watching Cardinal Baseball games with family and even received an honorary contract from the Cardinals for catching a fly ball one handed early in Jerry and his marriage. During their retirement, he and Jerry embarked on cross-country adventures in their camper, proudly traversing all 50 states.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Jerry Walker; four children, Capt. Ronald Walker (Ret.) MSHP (Wanda) of Taos, Mo., Gayla Holliday (Greg) of Boonville, Mo., Lt. Col. Terry Walker (Ret.) USAF (Tina) of Wentzville, Mo. and Lt. Col. Steven Walker (Ret.) USAF (Cynthia) of Eugene, Mo.; two siblings, Latrell Walker (Shirley) of Clarence, Mo. and Janet Isaacson (Donald) of Macon, Mo.; former daughter-in-law, Cindy Walker; ten grandchildren, Tiffany Walker (Carla Kessell), Zachary Seales (Megan), Dillon Walker, Jake Walker (Allyson), Jackson Walker (Elena), Cole Walker, Caleb Walker, Mallory Seales, Taylor Lewis (Kody), and Cameron Schlogl; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and their special friends for more than 50 years, Bob and Sherry Holt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Ruth Walker, and an infant sister, Dolores Gay Walker.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2023, at Concord Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating. An informal visitation will immediately follow the service at the church. A webcast of Larry’s service will begin at 10:00 am Friday for friends that are not able to attend by going to Concord Baptist Church’s website and click “Watch Live”.
Private graveside services and interment will be held at Bethlehem Cemetery near Macon, Mo. at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Concord Baptist Church, 3724 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Larry was born June 7, 1936, in Anabel, Mo., a son of Owen and Ruth (Hill) Walker.
He grew up in rural Macon County and was a 1954 graduate of Macon High School. During his high school years, he enjoyed his time playing football and often told the story about how he played against Coach Pete Adkins’ team when he was a young coach at Centralia High School.
After high school, Larry began work at Gillioz Construction Company and served in the Missouri Army National Guard until he was honorably discharged.
While working a construction job in Newburg, Mo., he met the love of his life, Jerry Lee Dillon, at a local store. They were married on August 27, 1955, in Newburg, Mo. and were blessed with 67 years of marriage.
Larry devoted over three decades to the Missouri State Highway Patrol before retiring in 1991. His career commenced in 1958 as a Drivers Examiner, and on July 1, 1960, he joined the Missouri Highway Patrol as a member of Troop I in Rolla. In 1969, he transferred to General Headquarters in Jefferson City, where he served in the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division. Throughout his tenure, he attended various law enforcement courses at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg to constantly be furthering his education. Larry continuously contributed his expertise to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division, ultimately retiring with the rank of Captain in 1991. During his retirement, he served as a Sergeant at Arms for the Missouri House of Representatives and became a licensed real estate agent.
Larry took great pride in his Christian faith and eagerly shared his beliefs with others. He received ordination as a deacon at Salem Avenue Baptist Church before relocating to Jefferson City. During his time in Jefferson City, he was an active member of Concord Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for over 50 years. Larry contributed his time as a volunteer in various capacities within the church and was a past chair of their deacon board. One of the most memorable experiences of his life was his visit to the Holy Lands in Israel, which afforded him the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Family held a significant place in Larry's heart. He dedicated countless hours to wholeheartedly supporting his children and grandchildren as they participated in a range of sporting events, including football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling. The sheer joy he experienced while witnessing their achievements was immeasurable. Those experiences made him an ardent fan of several teams: the Jefferson City Jays, where he was a former Jefferson City Football Booster, the Mizzou Tigers, and the United States Air Force Academy football team. He also loved watching Cardinal Baseball games with family and even received an honorary contract from the Cardinals for catching a fly ball one handed early in Jerry and his marriage. During their retirement, he and Jerry embarked on cross-country adventures in their camper, proudly traversing all 50 states.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Jerry Walker; four children, Capt. Ronald Walker (Ret.) MSHP (Wanda) of Taos, Mo., Gayla Holliday (Greg) of Boonville, Mo., Lt. Col. Terry Walker (Ret.) USAF (Tina) of Wentzville, Mo. and Lt. Col. Steven Walker (Ret.) USAF (Cynthia) of Eugene, Mo.; two siblings, Latrell Walker (Shirley) of Clarence, Mo. and Janet Isaacson (Donald) of Macon, Mo.; former daughter-in-law, Cindy Walker; ten grandchildren, Tiffany Walker (Carla Kessell), Zachary Seales (Megan), Dillon Walker, Jake Walker (Allyson), Jackson Walker (Elena), Cole Walker, Caleb Walker, Mallory Seales, Taylor Lewis (Kody), and Cameron Schlogl; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and their special friends for more than 50 years, Bob and Sherry Holt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Ruth Walker, and an infant sister, Dolores Gay Walker.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2023, at Concord Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating. An informal visitation will immediately follow the service at the church. A webcast of Larry’s service will begin at 10:00 am Friday for friends that are not able to attend by going to Concord Baptist Church’s website and click “Watch Live”.
Private graveside services and interment will be held at Bethlehem Cemetery near Macon, Mo. at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Concord Baptist Church, 3724 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.