Scott Walker

1951 - 2011

Scott Walker, 60, was escorted into the garden of his beloved Jesus on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at home. Before changing his address to heaven, he left behind a legacy of servant leadership both in his family and the community of Tarrant County. A man of precision, wisdom and noble character, he led an exemplary life through his steadfast faith in Christ. Scott brought joy and strength into every part of his life. He was a rock. Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Christ Chapel. Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Scott Walker Memorial Fund, c/o Sheryl Laboyteaux, 4200 S. Hulen St., # 614, Fort Worth, Texas 76109-4988, benefiting the spread of the gospel around the world through various mission organizations. Scott was born April 28, 1951, in Abilene to the late Mary Frances Templeton and John Winters Walker Sr. After graduating from Midland High School, where he was a football player, scholar and Eagle Scout, he attended Texas Christian University. Strength of both body and mind produced a four-year football letterman at TCU and the recipient of the NCAA Academic All-American and Sportsmanship awards while under the instruction of four different coaches. In 1973, Scott graduated TCU magna cum laude with a 4.0, married Janina Lankford on Dec. 28, and earned his master's in accountancy from the University of Texas in the spring of 1974. Scott and Janina returned to Fort Worth where he began his accounting career with Ernst & Ernst, but in 1978 he met Cass Edwards, a man who would help direct the course of his life, imparting a wealth of humble wisdom and integrity through the generational blessing of the Cass and Crawford Edwards family. Cass was a father to Scott in many ways, and together they, along with Wes Stripling and John Glen, developed Southwest Fort Worth through Cassco Land Company. Known in the city as an honest businessman who deeply cared for the practical matters of the city, Scott also served his Lord Jesus by attending to the spiritual needs of the community through Tarrant Net, an organization that networks churches and ministries across racial, denominational and socio-economic lines to make an impact in the city. Through deep friendships with local pastors, he led prayer endeavors and outreaches to the poor and needy. A tender warrior with a large heart, Scott loved to worship and attended Renewal In Christ Ministry retreats as a prayer leader and mentor to countless brothers and sisters in Christ. He served in many leadership capacities, including the greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council and Trinity River Council and on board memberships, including H.O.P.E. Farm, Tarrant Net, All Saints' Episcopal School, and SOMA missions. He led two men's discipleship groups, "the SWAT Team" and "the Thursday Boys." Scott had a deep passion for gardening at home. Through his creativity he was able to cultivate a backyard "oasis of beauty" that brought peace and healing to all who entered it. Together, he and his beloved wife Janina extended hospitality to others and made each person feel at home in His presence, always being mindful that, "surely the presence of the Lord is in this place." A refuge of peace, quiet and rest for Scott, his last hours were spent tending to his garden before he went from labor to reward with his Heavenly Father. His business acumen and expertise in almost any subject were extraordinary, but these were far surpassed by his love for and devotion to all the people in his life. He brought to every encounter and situation a rare joy, wisdom and his deep faith in Jesus Christ. He brought beauty, laughter, encouragement and support into the lives of all who knew him. He was generous, insightful and kind - and lots of fun. Survivors: His wife of 38 years, Janina; children, Wynne Walker and wife, Jenni, Nina Holland and husband, J.R.; grandchildren, Eliot Grace Walker, Cora Campbell Walker and soon-to-be-born Arthur Scott Holland; brother, John Walker Jr. and wife, Karen; sister, Freda Walker and husband, Bob Wagner; spiritual children, Timm and Katherine Sasser and their children, Annie Janina, Jake, Norah and Lillian; mother-in-law, Gloria "Mimi" Lankford; and many extended family members and friends.