Luther Walker

A memorial celebration for the life of Luther Lloyd Walker will be held at the Gashland Presbyterian Church, 8029 N. Oak, Kansas City, Missouri on Wednesday, March 22, 2006. Visitation will begin at 1:00PM followed by a service at 2:00PM. The family suggests remembrances be sent to Boy Scout Troop 247 at Gashland Presbyterian Church. Luther was born to Elmer and Hattie Walker on August 23, 1911. He was the youngest boy and last survivor of the family of 11 raised near Mosby, Mo. As a youth he attended Mosby Elementary and Liberty High School. During school Luther developed a lifelong love of athletics. Luke was a standout at any sport he tried. He enjoyed baseball most. It was at a highly competitive croquet match (hosted by his future father in law), that he began his courtship of Kathryn Jones. The couple spent the next 70-plus years together. On September 4, 1936, the young couple was married, ready to head into the future together. In 1939 they purchased the only home they ever lived in for $3650, despite their parents’ worry they could never pay for it. While Luther was working at American Can Company, his country called him to serve in WWII. His service included time aboard the aircraft carrier Essex and on Guam as an aircraft electrician. Upon his return from overseas he and Kathryn settled into their lives with their two sons: Roger and Keith. As a founding member of Gashland Presbyterian Church, Luther spent countless hours in its planning and construction. The limestone that he helped quarry still stands, and the electrical system he installed still lights the church today. He served as a church elder and as Scoutmaster of Troop 247 for over a decade. Upon his retirement from Bolte Lithograph Company in 1973, he began a second career restoring and renting affordable housing with Kathryn. Luther showed athletic prowess and competitiveness on bowling lanes and golf links. He began playing golf at age 62 and played at least 3 times a week. He carried a bowling average of 192 well into his eighties. Although Luke was the fiercest competitor no matter the game, he was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather and neighbor. All who knew Luther will remember him as a man of upstanding character. He will always be held in high regard for his integrity, friendship, wisdom, intelligence, tenacity, and dry sense of humor. He tirelessly supported those close to him and lived an exemplary Christian life. On March 16, 2006, after 12 days apart, he was reunited with his beloved wife Kathryn. He enjoyed a long and full life with friends and family. Luther is survived by his children Roger, Keith and his wife Henrietta, his grandchildren Jennifer Strickland, Angella Moore, Ken Walker, Michael Walker, and his great-grandchildren Keith Moore, Tara Moore, Samuel Strickland, Benjamin Strickland, and Kathryn Jewel Walker.

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