Daniel Arthur Walker

Daniel A. Walker, 78, died at Vie Christi St. Francis hospital in Wichita KS, on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, following a brief illness. Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Dexter Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Maple City Cemetery. Pastor Chuck Steele will officiate. Dan was born February 16, 1931, in Arkansas City, KS to D. Arthur and Maybin G. (Gardner) Walker. He attended Martha Washington Elementary school, Ark City Jr. High and Ark City High Schools. Dan married Ro Jean Reynolds on July 1, 1951, delaying their honeymoon until after wheat harvest. Shortly after that Dan joined the Air National Guard which caused the newlyweds to move to various base locations including California, Biloxi, Miss., and Spokane, Washington. After his military discharge, Dan and Ro Jean moved 25 miles East of Ark City and built the home where they lived the next 58 years. Dan and Ro Jean raised three children and worked seven days a week to expand and maintain their beloved Flying W Ranch. Besides being a full-time rancher, Dan also had his private pilots license and enjoyed casual flying. He was often an announcer at local rodeos and horse shows and over the years successfully started and managed several businesses in the Ark City area. He served two terms on the first Board of Trustees at the Cowley County Community College and became very involved with the college administration and was an avid and enthusiastic supporter of the football and basketball athletic programs. Dan was happiest when working on and improving his ranch. One of his biggest pleasures was to get Ro Jean or one of his grown kids and drive for several hours on a Sunday afternoon through his pastures, where he would talk of times past, remembering the struggles and joys that come hand in hand with being a rancher Dan is a member of the Dexter Christian Church and was baptized May 14, 2006. He became an active member of the congregation and cherished his new friendships within the church. Dan loved all animals and always had an assortment of dogs and cats on the ranch, some of them who were lucky enough to stray onto Dan's property and never leave, and some he rescued from owners who no longer wanted them. While the family appreciates receiving condolences in the form of flowers, donations can be made to Cowley County Humane Society as an alternative. Dan leaves behind his wife and partner of 58 years, Ro Jean, his daughter Jancy Garrison, and two sons, Robb Walker and Clay Walker. He is also survived by his grandchildren Rachael Ciszewski, Nash Garrison, Andra Hunt, and Braden Garrison; and his sister, Janet Brenner. He was preceded in death by his parents, D. Arthur and Maybin Walker, his infant son Rodney David, and his granddaughter Megan Garrison. A memorial has been established with the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.rindt-erdman.com.