Charles Joseph Walker Sr.

Charles Joseph Walker Sr.

Charles "Charlie" Joseph Walker Sr., 86, passed away Friday, June 18, 2010 in Mt. Vernon, Washington. He was born June 28, 1923 in Ft. Benton, Montana to Irene Elizabeth Walker and Lewis Arthur Walker. Charles enlisted into the Marine Corp in Butte, Montana, October 13, 1942 to serve his country in WWII. Charles fought in the battles of Saipan and Tarawa. He was decorated with a Combat Action Ribbon for service, the Presidential Unit Citation Award, the ribbon bar with one blue enamel star to 2nd Marine Division Reinforced for service in Tarawa during the period November 20 to November 24, 1943 an American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Three Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal and a Rifle Marksman Badge for his efforts on behalf of our country.
Charles was married to Phyllis Dare Nye, they were together for 46 years. Over the years, Charles kept a number of friends in his life, his cousin, Johnny Walker, of Highwood, Montana, Wally Morger, of Fort Benton, Montana, The Quist Family, of Ferndale, Washington, The O'Connor Family, of Ft. Myers, Florida, and the Burton family, of Ft. Myers, Florida. We thank them for their friendship and love.
Charles had a love of fly fishing in his home state of Montana, he loved to drive and travel throughout the United States. He started driving in the states in the early 50's and was able to drive to all fifty states, which was an accomplishment to him. Charles worked for the United States government in Telecommunications and was considered a pioneer in West Coast Bell Telephone (retired) part of Bell Telephone, and years later, worked for, and retired from, United Telephone in Ft. Myers, Florida.
Charles is survived by his step sons, Bill Christensen (Mary) and Mike Christensen (Kathleen); and his children, Colleen Jo Hanson (Keith), Charles Joseph Walker Jr., Cheryl "Annie" Artack (Brian), Victoria Susan Walker (Dale) and James Patrick Walker (Vinamarie). Charles and Phyllis had 26 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren and a large extended family in Montana.
Charles was preceded in his death by his brothers, James Arthur Walker, Donald Lewis Walker; sisters, Verna "Bernie" Venion, Freda E. Rothweiler; his wife, Phyllis Nye Walker; and sons, Frank Lewis Walker and John Arthur Walker Sr. (the twins).
The Walker family wishes to extend a thank you to the staff and residents of the Life Care Center of Mt. Vernon, Washington for their care and kindness to Charles during his stay.
There will be a memorial celebrating Charles's life at a later date.

"May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand".

Safe journey dad.
Arrangements are under the care of Alpha-Omega, Mount Vernon, WA.