Ray Alma Walker

Ray A. Walker, 87 of Rexburg passed away Saturday, October 10, 2009, at the Madison Memorial Hospital. Ray was born November 15, 1921 in St. Anthony, Idaho a son of George Alma Walker and Hazel Jane McCumber Walker. Ray was raised in St. Anthony and attended school in St. Anthony, Midway, and graduated from South Fremont High School. He served in the 5th Army Aircorp and received the Air Medal for 56 missions flown, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Good Conduct medal while serving in India, Burma, and China. Ray married Colleen Quayle on October 20, 1947 in St. Anthony, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls L.D.S. Temple on February 12, 2000. Ray loved horses and was an accomplished horseman. He jockeyed as a young man and was later involved in the Cutter Chariot Racing, and belonged to the Upper Valley Chariot Association and the Upper Valley Wranglers Posse where he was the Drill Master and President. He ranched in Montana and Idaho and farmed in the Moody area. After the Teton Dam flood he farmed in the Roberts and Hamer areas. Ray retired in February of 1989, after retiring Ray and his wife Colleen traveled across the United States with his brother Gary and sister-in-law Eileen. Ray is survived by his daughters Cindy Jo Carlson and her special friend Bob Kauer of Rexburg, Kelly Jean (Rob) Rydalch of St. Anthony, Daughter-in-law Nancy Walker of Salt Lake City, Utah, sons Johnny Ray (Laurie) Walker of Vine Grove, Kentucky, Marty D (Leslie) Walker of Rexburg, Sister Dorothy Taylor of Rexburg, brother Terry C (Carolyn) Walker of Wisconsin, sister-in-law Diane (Devere) Nelson of Blackfoot, 18 grandchildren, Sherry, Tracy, Danny, Evelyn, Colleen, Ray, Neil, Jennifer, Merrill, Scott, Kelsey, Karley, Jarred, Ben, Micall, Justin, Sarah, Savannah, and 34 great grandchildren. Ray knew, understood and fulfilled any and all responsibilities that any one asked of him; His brother Gary entrust the welfare of his wife and children during his two tours of Vietnam. This in turn formed a lifelong special bond with his sons Greg, Jeff, Robert, and daughter Theresa. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife Colleen, son Larry George Walker, two sisters, Darlene and Betty, four brothers, Bob, Merrill, Gary and Larry, one great grandchild, Grace French. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby, at 1:30 p.m. The family will visit with friends on Friday evening from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. and prior to the service on Saturday from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. both at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Sugar City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the services to the Ray Walker Memorial Fund.