Chris Stephen Walker

Chris Stephen Walker, 71, proud father, loving husband, devoted papaw, skilled craftsman, gifted storyteller, and all-around renaissance man, died on January 5, 2026.
Chris, the third child of Patricia and Ralph Walker, was born in Lexington, Kentucky on July 18th, 1954. He grew up on a farm on Sugar Creek in Jessamine County, KY along with his older brother and sister Mark & Bonnie. Farm life offered many opportunities for both work and adventures, including the time Chris and Mark were chased across a field by the neighbor's bull, narrowly escaping certain doom.
After a brief sojourn in Tennessee, in 1962 the family moved to Fairfield, Ohio, where Chris began 3rd grade and swiftly made new friends. During his childhood and young teen years, he dove headlong into athletics playing baseball, basketball, golf, and football. During his high school years, he played starting wide receiver, #88, for the Fairfield Indians, setting at least one school record that is still unbroken.
In 1966, at 12 years old, Chris' grasp on the 'baby of the family' title came to an end with the arrival of his younger sister, Lisa. She has never been forgiven for usurping his rightful position in the family.
His senior year of high school included a trip with friends to Colorado to go elk hunting. This experience had a profound effect on Chris and changed the direction of his future. Following high school, inspired by this trip, he decided to chase a new adventure and drove west to Colorado to attend Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs. Pursuing a degree in Natural Resource Management, he thought at the time he wanted to be 'Smokey the Bear.'
However, life had other plans, and a career in the great outdoors was not in the cards. Chris had several odd jobs and careers during his time in Colorado including:
Bank courier - only earning a mention on this list because it prompted his lifelong disdain of Gary Wright's 1975 hit 'Dreamweaver' due to hearing it on repeat every morning during his run.
Owner and operator of the Glenwood Motor Inn
Manager of the Valley Paint store
Professional finish painter and carpenter working on some of the finest homes on Colorado's western slope.
During his 'down-time' in Colorado Chris could be found playing racquet ball (at the semi-professional level), skiing on the slopes of Sunlight Mountain, or hiking through the back-country - usually to Grizzly Creek - fly-fishing for prodigious numbers of Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout (we have been assured these are not mere fish stories).
The mid-eighties saw Chris head even further west, to 'America's Finest City' - San Diego, California. There he earned a second Associates degree in Broadcast Journalism, graduating from Palomar College. While attending school, Chris also ran a successful contracting business, working on home renovations throughout San Diego.
But by far the biggest triumph in Chris' life happened in June 1990 with the arrival of his son, Travis Landon Walker. Chris undertook fatherhood with more joy and enthusiasm than perhaps any other endeavor he tackled during his lifetime.
In 1992 Chris returned to the Bluegrass State, where he remained until the end of his life. He continued to thrive professionally as a contractor, undertaking many rewarding and challenging jobs until his retirement in 2019. He was an active member of his church and travelled to Mexico 3 times on mission trips using his talent and experience to help those in need. In 2001 Chris met the love of his life, Jenna, of Somerset, KY. They were married in 2005 and shared 21 beautiful years together.
Chris never met a stranger - making lifelong friends everywhere he went. He was well known for his ability to talk, (and talk ) to anyone. He was incredibly well-read and could hold an educated conversation on a wide variety of subjects.
Throughout his life Chris loved reading, fly fishing, the Kentucky Wildcats, hunting, riding his motorcycle, watching his grandchildren play sports, woodworking, breakfast food, traveling, and music. He lived life to the fullest, was always up for a new adventure, and never missed an opportunity to share his passions with his friends and loved ones.
Chris is survived by his dearest wife of 21 years, Jenna Walker, his cherished son Travis Walker (Katie), step-daughter Jaime Godby (Chris), 3 grandchildren: Chandler, Boone, and Hadlee Godby; brother Mark Walker (Cindy), sister Lisa Walker, niece Betsy Kraus (Carl), nephew Seth Walker, great-nieces Kaitlyn White & Courtney Kraus, great-nephews Cameron Kraus & Matt Burkett; 3 great-grand-nieces and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Patricia and Ralph Walker, his older sister and brother-in-law Bonnie and Jim Burkett, niece Jessica Walker, nephews Andrew Walker, Jason Burkett, and Brett Burkett.
Chris loved and was loved by many people all over who will miss him dearly. There will never be another like Chris Walker. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, January 12 at 1:00 pm with visitation prior to the service at 11:00 am, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 463 E. Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507. Burial will follow at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens.
The family requests that remembrances be directed to the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields: 4850 Groh Ln, Fairfield, OH 45014, https://www.nuxhallmiracleleague.org.