Harold L. "Jiggs" Walker

Harold L. Jiggs Walker LOCKHART-Harold L. Jiggs Walker, of Lockhart died Feb. 6, 2014. He was born July 17, 1930, in Amherst, Texas, to Laura (Wilson) and Carl Walker. Jiggs attended Littlefield High School, where, upon graduation, he was awarded several athletic scholarships. Due to numerous economic hardships of the day, he was unable to attend college. Instead he found work as a lineman for the telephone company. During his free time, Jiggs competed in rodeos throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, where he won the bronco riding and bulldogging events. In 1951, he met and married Jacqueline Rieben and they lived together in Fairfax, Va. At the onset of the Korean War, he enlisted in the United States Navy and became a member of the Elite Frogmen: a precursor to the Navy Seals. After three years of service, in 1955 the Walkers relocated to Texas. Jiggs had three sons and one daughter. He worked as an engineer for the USDA Soil Conservation Service for thirty-two years upon his retirement in 1986. Jiggs inherited a love for horses from his father and spent his adult life raising Quarter horses. He was a life member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. Jiggs enjoyed telling stories from his colorful life. He never met a stranger and was extremely generous and would always, with great modesty help others who were need. In 2011, Jiggs published his memoir called, A Texas Cowboy Remembers. He loved music and was a talented dancer. He was a good father. He taught his children how to work and always put their needs before his own. Jiggs was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Q. Walker, Sr., who died in November of 2012. He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline R. Walker; two sons, John Walker and Mark Walker of Lockhart, Texas; and his daughter, Liz Beth Walker of Ribera, N.M. He had six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.