Jack Lewis "Jackie" Walker Jr.

Jack "Jackie" Lewis Walker, Jr., 69, of Nacogdoches, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2017 in Nacogdoches. Mr. Walker was born on November 21, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas, the grandson of Farris Walker and Faye Lanie Buchan Walker, who raised him. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with The Reverend Steven Simon officiating. Burial will follow at Douglass Cemetery. Visitation and lunch will be held from 12:00PM until 2:00PM service time. "Jackie", as most knew him, grew up in Douglass, Texas and graduated from Douglass High School in 1966. Beginning in 1967, Mr. Walker proudly served in Vietnam for the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 196th Light Infantry BDE, Delta 4/31. He served his country in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. After discharging from the military, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he met the love of his life, Mary Beth Hash, and the two were married on March 5, 1975 in Longview, Texas; subsequently spending a wonderful 41 years together raising their son, Shawn. Jackie owned Venture Construction Company, where he retired after 35 years. He was a member of the Nacogdoches VFW, the Cushing Masonic Lodge, and was a devoted and proud member of the 196th Organization. Jackie loved wildflowers; so much so, that he decided to plow his entire yard and plant pounds and pounds of wildflower seeds! He was an avid hunter and gardener and was proud of the benefits provided from his hobbies. Mr. Walker was a devoted member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Mr. Walker is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Walker of Nacogdoches; Son, Shawn Walker of Austin, Texas; as well as many other family members and friends. Pallbearers for Mr. Walker will be Randy Warr, Gary Butler, Bruce Yates, George Larry Butler, Gary Hensler and Gary Jentz. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Sturrock, Lyndal Pierce, Tommy Yates, and Doris Crockett. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Americal ADVA Scholarship fund c/o Ron Ellis 4493 SH 64 West, Henderson, Texas 75652. The Walker family is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or sign an online register, please visit www.lairdfh.net.