Newell Walker

Newell R. Walker, 79, of Ammon, passed away Jan. 4, 2017, at his home after a brave year-long battle with leukemia.

Newell was born Dec. 12, 1937, in Rigby, Idaho, to Mayor W. Walker and Maple Irene Rapp Walker. He grew up in Lewisville, Roberts and Rigby, and graduated from Rigby High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Brigham Young University.

On Aug. 17, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Caroll Kay Lindsay, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. After graduating from college, Newell worked as an accountant in Utah and California before settling in Idaho Falls, where they raised their family of five children, Greg, Lesli, Gary, Eric and Jennifer. Newell established and operated Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips in Idaho Falls, now known as The Gangplank Restaurant. He and Caroll recently moved to Ammon.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Newell served as a bishop of the Idaho Falls 31st Ward, counselor in the Idaho Falls Central Stake Presidency and two times on the stake high councils. His greatest love was teaching. He especially loved teaching the youth and substituting as a seminary teacher. From 2004-2005, he and Caroll served a full-time LDS mission in the South Africa Cape Town Mission.

Newell was actively involved in community affairs, which included serving as a police chaplain, a hospice chaplain, on the Mayor's Race Relations Committee and on many other committees. He loved gardening and creating a beautiful yard. His family was his first priority and greatest joy. People were his hobby. Newell was a history buff, fan of BYU sports and an avid fan of his grandchildren. He never missed a game or performance they were involved in. Newell enjoyed writing and published several articles and poems. Newell had an incredible memory and was a great storyteller. He lived a life of selfless service and spent much of his time "being there" for the sick, imprisoned, lonely, downtrodden and anyone that needed a loving, supportive friend. He will be greatly missed.

Newell is survived by his loving wife, Caroll, whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage with last August. He is also survived by his children, Gregory (Lory) Walker of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lesli (Scott) Pennock, Dr. Gary (Kimberly) Walker and Dr. Eric (Karen) Walker, all of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Jennifer (Neil) Taylor of Springville, Utah. They have 25 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Donna French and Joyce Marriott; and three brothers, Gail Walker, Clyde Walker and Doyle Walker.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Ammon LDS 15th Ward, 1925 E. 49th S., with Bishop Markell Bateman officiating. The family will visit with friends from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Lewisville Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.