Gail Walker

Gail Walker, 85, of Ammon, ID formerly of Rigby, passed away Friday, October 15, 2010. Gail was born December 21, 1924, the eldest son of Mike (Mayor) and Maple Walker. He was raised and attended schools in Lewisville, graduating from Midway High in 1943. Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific Fleet during WWII. Upon returning home he met and fell in love with his lifelong sweetheart Pat (Fay) Pabst. They were married April 17, 1946 in Hamer, ID and made their home in Rigby where they were blessed with 5 children, 1 boy and 4 girls. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple, April 19, 1998. Gail drove truck for Rigby Hay and Feed, and later drove bus for the INL a job he retired from in 1986. Gail loved hunting, fishing and camping. He also loved snow planes and snow machines. He was an active member of the VFW Post 1004. He served as Post Commander and was later elected District Commander. When Gail retired, he and Pat joined the “snowbirds” and traveled back and forth between Rigby and Arizona. They eventually bought a home in Yuma, AZ where they spent their winters until 2006, when his health forced them to stay in ID. At that time they decided to downsize, and sold their homes in Rigby and Yuma, moving into a twin-home in Ammon, where they resided until his death. Gail was an active member of the LDS Church and held the office of High Priest. He enjoyed church activities and association with all the ward members who soon became his fast friends. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. We will miss his teasing ways, his twinkling smile and his eternal toothpick. Gail is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pat Walker of Ammon, daughters; Mauna Walker of Ammon, Peg (Ren) Kauer of Ririe, Becky (Dean) Swallow of Pocatello and Nelda (Rick) Mullens of Palm Desert, CA., a daughter-in-law, Joannie Walker, of Newhall California, eleven grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. Brothers; Clyde (Alice) Walker of Orem, UT and Newell (Carroll) Walker of Idaho Falls, sisters; Donna (Earl) French of Roberts, Joyce (George) Marriott of Rigby and sister-in-law Lola (Doyle) Walker of Rexburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, his only son, Kail Lynn Walker and one brother Doyle Walker. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 20, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ammon 23rd Ward chapel, 4030 John Adams Pkwy with Bishop Todd Summers officiating. Friends may pay their respects to the family, Tuesday evening at Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral at the Ammon chapel. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery following services.