Dr. Gary Kent Walker

Gary, son of the late Max and Lee Walker and brother of the late Barbara Hartman, grew up in a loving home in Kansas City, Missouri. As a boy, he loved to play cowboys and Indians-a passion he never outgrew. He graduated from Ruskin High School as a proud Eagle Scout who worked tirelessly to prepare for every possible situation throughout his life.

As Gary sold dictionaries door-to-door to pay his way through medical school, he discovered his gift of gab. After graduating from the University of Missouri Medical School and completing his OBGYN residency, he served two years at Whiteman Air Force Base. While there, his fierce independence-so characteristic of his life-emerged. He refused to cut his grass on the required days or cut his hair to the required length.

In 1977, Gary moved to Springfield and started his private practice. Over the course of his 36-year career, he delivered more than 6,000 babies. As his family grew, he worked tirelessly to create core memories for his children by planning big adventures. He took them camping, white water rafting, horseback riding and spent thousands of hours pulling his kids on tubes, skis, and kneeboards behind his boat.

Long before his first grandchild arrived, Gary purchased a lot on Table Rock Lake, envisioning what would become his beloved "Little Cedar" retreat.

In retirement, Gary loved his lake house best of all. He spent his time birdwatching from the deck, fishing from the dock, and stargazing from his boat. He also enjoyed delivering food for Meals on Wheels, volunteering at Wonders of Wildlife, meeting fishing buddies for lunch, attending theater performances, participating in Sunday School, and watching the Chiefs dominate.

Gary is survived by his three children and five grandchildren, Carmen and Jim Leahy (Rielyn and Finn), Mark and Erica Walker (Max and Madelyn), and Ryan and Adriene Walker (Beckham). He is also survived by nephews Rhett and Travis Hartman.

Services for Gary will be held at Schweitzer Church on Friday, February 6 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Camp Barnabas or The Gift of Life Transplant House.