Kyle Dean Walker

Kyle Dean Walker, 31, Herriman UT and recently of Preston Idaho, passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2022. He was born on November 3rd, 1990, to Richard “Dean” and Donna Walker. He was the little brother to Crystal (Brad) Smith & Rick (Susie) Walker. He grew up in Herriman Utah.

He was ambitious from a young age, at 15 he received his Eagle Scout. Kyle was very proud to join the National Guard on his 18th birthday and graduated a few months later from Riverton High School. After graduating from boot camp Kyle decided to further his education, over the years his education included: Utah State University, Ashworth College, Bridgerland Technical College, and the University of Maryland. He was currently studying zoology at Oregon State University.

Kyle was very adventurous, he loved to hike, hunt, climb, and just be outdoors. He also enjoyed skydiving and scuba diving, the more extreme the better. He always marched to the beat of his own drum, and this rang true in his hobbies as well. He was also a proud member of the Masonic National Sojourners Chapter. Kyle had a love and passion for animals, of all kinds. So much so that he took up falconry and fostered several birds of prey and other exotic animals. His love of animals led him to working as a keeper for Zootah @ Willow Park Zoo, caring for baby bears at Yellowstone Bear World, and to his most favorite job as a vet tech @ Stone Ridge Vet Clinic. He loved the environment, and all the friends he made along the way. He was currently serving as vice president of Sandy’s Haven in Preston, Idaho where he worked with his dear friends Susan and Jody Curtis.

Kyle was very independent, if he wanted to do something he was determined to do it.  He always put 110% into his hobbies and goals. If he set his mind to it, you knew it was going to happen.  But it had to be his idea.  He was driven, passionate, and hardworking. He loved to tease and make jokes. Kyle was stubborn yet had a heart of gold. His mom loved to call him a porcupine, sharp around the edges, but so sweet and kind on the inside. He was compassionate; he had a knack for volunteering, and for helping those who needed it. Kyle was the kind to drop everything for anyone, and not expect anything in return. If you called him in the middle of the night with a sick pet, he was there for you.   Kyle loved his family, he especially took great pride in his nieces and nephews, Abbrielle (Xzavier), Dustin, Garrett, Dakodah and Logan.

Kyle attended Army basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and AIT training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. Staff Sergeant Kyle Dean Walker enlisted in 2008 as part of the 115th Maintenance Company where he was a Towed Artillery Systems Repairer.  He later reclassified as a Cannoneer and transferred to A Battery 1st Battalion 145th Field Artillery in Brigham City, Utah.  As a Field Artilleryman, SSG Walker was a Howitzer Driver, Ammunition Handler, Ammunition Team Chief, Paladin Gunner, and eventually an Ammunition Section Chief.  In 2022 Kyle was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant with the Charlie Battery “Animals'' 1st Battalion 145th Field Artillery in Spanish Fork, Utah.  His awards and decorations include the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, The National Defense Service Medal, The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, The Armed Forces Reserve Medal, The Army Service Ribbon, The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and The Us Army Mechanics Badge. He worked very hard, and we are so so proud of his accomplishments.

He packed a lifetime of experiences, hobbies, and adventures in 31 short years. He lived life to the fullest.  Everything he ever did; he did with passion and to the extreme.

Kyle was a beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, cousin, nephew, coworker and friend. His grandparents Mike & Delores Thielen and Judy Walker will miss him tremendously.

He was preceded in death by beloved great grandparents; Bill and Joy Slater, grandfather; Richard G Walker, and his most devoted and cherished dog, Cheyenne.

Family and friends may call at a viewing on Wednesday June 1st, from 6-8pm. We will celebrate Kyle’s life at a service held on Thursday June 2nd at 11am, with a viewing from 10am to 10:45 am at Broomhead Funeral Home 12600 2200W, Riverton, UT 84065.  Interment service, with full Military honors to follow at Camp Williams Cemetery 17111 1700W, Bluffdale, UT 84065.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Kyle’s name to Sandy’s Haven https://www.sandys-haven.org/