Obituary: Walker, Arthur Lewis Jr.

WALKER,
Arthur
Lewis, Jr.
(Age 81)

Arthur (Art) Walker was welcomed to this world on October 2, 1931 in Waverly, WA to Arthur L. and Virginia (McCready) Walker.

He was raised in a large family of five boys and six girls.

He grew up learning the value of family and hard work.

Art graduated from Central Valley High School on June 1, 1950 and decided to enlist in the United States Navy, which he did on October 12, 1950.

He served Our Country in the National Defense Navy Occupation, United Nations, Korean Service, and China Service.

His most significant duty assignment was on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31.

Art received an honorable discharge on August 3, 1954.

After his discharge, Art continued to have a servant’s heart.

He applied and took his civil service test for a position with the Spokane Valley Fire Department where he served from May 1, 1957 to May 5, 1984, retiring as a Lieutenant.

During this time, he married Marianna (Mary) Kuntz, and they began raising their family in Greenacres, WA.

Unfortunately, Mary died shortly after their family moved into their new home in Otis Orchards, WA.

Art continued raising their five children and worked full time on the Fire Department.

Art also raised cattle, farmed, and gardened.

On July 8, 1972, Art married Linda Jensen, and together they had a son.

Art is survived by his sons, Michael Walker, Clint Walker, Chuck Walker, Robert Walker, and Joseph Underwood; and his daughters, Linda Wines, Marcella Walker, and Dana Paris; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Art is also survived by his ex-wife, Linda Tonkin of Seattle, WA.

Art is preceded in death by his wives, Mary and Ruth.

There will be a visitation at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, October 18th.

Please visit Art’s online memorial at www.thornhillvalley.com and share your thoughts and memories.

Services will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, October 19th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 4521 Arden Road, Otis Orchards.

Graveside services will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 17825 E. Trent, Spokane Valley.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Spokane Valley Fire Department Benevolent Fund.