Ben Walker

Ben Melvin Walker, Jr., was born in Gillespie County on Feb. 1st, 1934, to Ben Walker Sr. and Viola Walker. He passed into Glory on January 29th, 3 days shy of his 92nd birthday after a short-term illness.

Ben was a man of honorable integrity and moral fortitude that he lived to the fullest in his 91 years. He proudly served as a Texas DPS trooper for 30 yrs. He began his career in 1955 in Big Spring Texas at a time when bootlegging was rampant. He shared many stories of the time he served there. He served next in Abilene Texas where he also taught and displayed gun safety, as well as demonstrating tricks using firearms. He was on the DPS Region 6 pistol team. Always above many others in marksmanship, a trait he carried well into his later life.

He arrived in Mason Texas at the age of 27 in 1961 and began his career of 25 years of service there. Ben was always front and center in regard to participating and helping out no matter what the occasion. Through his career he received many awards including the DPS Directors Citation for valor all for saving the life of a total stranger. Ben was named citizen of the year in Mason in 1985. Ben retired August 31, 1985. After retiring he served Mason County as chief deputy sheriff beginning Sept. 1, 1988, until September of 1990.

He began an outstanding career in making, selling, and trading bits and spurs after his retirement. His handiwork was soon sought after in all parts of the country, often due to the influence of his dear friends, Stanley and Wanda Bush. Many still seek his hardware today. He and his wife, Christy, attended many bit and spur trade shows with their collections where in 2023 they were awarded the induction into the National Bit Spur Saddle Collectors Associations Hall of Fame. Many special relationships were built around the spur family seen several times a year. Special times with special friends.

Our family knew him as "Pop." That title also extended to many of the friends of his grandchildren. When he was introduced to others he always said, "You call me Pop.' He not only served his country, but he was also the wisest, most honest trustworthy man God could have ever blessed our family with. Also, a Horse trader, stock trailer dealer, cattle and animal connoisseur, gun professional, real-estate guru and the tallest man in so many ways to ever walk this earth. One Brady citizen told Ben he was the Trump of McCulloch County. Yes, he needed a bigger hat after that comment.

His quiet, strong way of loving and embracing those near him will forever be part of the legacy he leaves with us. Matthew 25:23 "His master said to him, well done good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a few things, and I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord." When Ben retired from TDPS, unit #6272 was permanently retired. This was in Ben's honor never to be re-assigned to anyone else. Unit #6272 Signing out…

Funeral services for Ben Walker will be held Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 3:00pm at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels in Brady with Reverend Ruede Rule officiating. The family will be receiving friends Saturday evening from 5 to 7 pm at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels. Friends may view and/or sign Ben Walker's online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com. Graveside services, with Texas Department of Public Safety Honors will be at 1:00pm Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Boerne City Cemetery in Boerne, Texas. Pallbearers will be D.J. Walker, Cody Walker, Clint Walker, Joshua Dye, Bodey Lange, and Cohen Dye.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Christy, with whom he shared thirty beautiful years of marriage; his children Jim Walker and Dan Walker and his wife Bredgitt, Cade Lange, & Cayla Rogers and husband David; his Brothers Gene & Donnie. He is also survived by his grandchildren D.J. Walker (Berta), Shawn Hudnall (Zach), Cody Walker (Breann), Clint Walker (Kathryn), Taylor Cogdell (Rowdy), Bodey Lange (Faith), Joshua, Cohen & Chloe Dye; and his great grandchildren Lane & Lawson Walker and Maizey Lange. Ben was Preceded in death by his parents Ben Sr. & Viola Walker; his first wife, Arlene; his brother Homar & Wife Sammy; And his daughter in law Samantha Lange. Memorial contributions in memory of Ben Walker, Jr. may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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