U.S. Army veteran, served during the Korean Conflict Leroy Rufus Walker, son of Rufus Walker and Ella (Harris) Walker, was born on Nov. 30, 1931 in Ava, Mo., and passed away on Sept. 16, 2008 in Springfield, Mo., at the age of 76 years.
Leroy was a resident of Springfield for a few years moving from Rockaway Beach. On March 1, 1952 Leroy and Nancy Jane Merritt were united in marriage in Mtn. Home, Ark., and to this union three children were born. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during the Korean Conflict. Leroy was retired from working over 25 years for Associated Wholesale Grocers in Springfield. He was a proud member of the Teamster Union #245. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and playing his guitar and banjo. Leroy loved most of all to be with his family and all the grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Sam and Clifford Walker, two sisters, Ruby Walker and Lula Dye.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Jane, of Springfield; three children and their spouses, Debbie and Dennis Washam, Diane and Ken Carr, all of Springfield, and Roy and Rhonda Walker, Republic; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Alice Rippee, Ava; several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside service will be Friday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. in the Ava Cemetery with the Rev. Russell Heatherly officiating. Visitation is today (Thursday) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Online condolences may be made at www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.
