Leon Walker

Leon Walker, 89, of Lufkin, was born August 20, 1920 in Keltys, Texas, the son of the late Fred and Ethel Walker. He passed away Sunday, December 6, 2009 in a Houston hospital. Mr. Walker was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather. He was retired from Lufkin Industries, where he was a welder, a job that he loved. Following his retirement, he became a consultant and taught welding to others. Mr. Walker served his country in the United States Navy. Survivors include his daughter, Joan Marie Sturrock of Houston; grandchildren, Kellie Marie Geitner, Jo Anna Lashbrook and Stacie Lee Hudson, all of Houston; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and a number of other family members. In addition to his parents, Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Walker, on June 18, 2004; son, Jerry L. Beasley in 1994; and sisters, Luda Belle Walker and Edwina Barclay. Pallbearers will be Erick Geitner, Wesley Lashbrook, Clay Sturrock, and Niles McWilliams. Expressions of sympathy in Mr. Walker's memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 3001 N. Medford Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75901. Services for Mr. Walker will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2009, in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Luther Bolenbarker officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park, with military honors provided by the United States Navy. Condolences may be offered at www.mem.com. Gipson Funeral Home, directors.