Johnny Ray "John" Walker

Johnny Ray "John" Walker, 82, was born July 12, 1943, to James A. "Jiggs" Walker and Bonnie (Grabeal) Walker Sanders. After a valiant struggle with the flu, he left for his eternal home on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026. He was born in Boise City, Oklahoma and raised on a farm outside of Felt in the panhandle of Oklahoma with his younger brother Gary. He attended Felt, Oklahoma schools and graduated from Felt High School in 1961. He was blessed with the best bonus dad in Roy Sanders after his father died.

He enlisted in the United States Army 1967. He graduated from OCS (Officer Candidate School) in Fort Eustis, Virginia in 1968. He was discharged honorably as a 1st Lieutenant from Fort Riley, Kansas and was always a proud veteran.

He married Marcia Raleigh in 1964 and was blessed with two children, Ryan and Gail. He attended college at Hutchison Junior College. In his early years he enjoyed camping, boating, bowling, volleyball, softball and golf.

He began a career with Farmland managing grain elevators and was a successful manager for a number of years. He started the propane division at a Co-Op in Gainesville, Texas and a Big Wheels program at the Co-Op in Timken, Kansas that both excelled well beyond expectation. He also worked for elevators in Olathe and Herington, Kansas and he received many accolades and awards throughout his career.

He married the love of his life Sandy (Sanko) Madden in 1984 and welcomed with open arms two bonus sons Marc and Kyle and a bonus daughter Kiera. Sandy is an amazing artist, and they began working together building an art business. They travelled throughout the US attending art shows and festivals. She painted and he became an expert in the matting and framing of her work. During this time, they acquired many life-long friends and friendships with other artists in the creative community. He was known to help others in this community whenever they needed assistance. He was a great friend to many.

After retirement, John was instrumental in the Harbor House Catholic Charity assisting and mentoring women of abuse for over 12 years at the Sedgwick County Courthouse. He and Sandy also regularly volunteered at The Lord's Diner caring for those less fortunate. He could also be seen "Sunday driving" his Chevy SSR with great grandson Thatcher or watching every possible Oklahoma University game on the TV. He was an avid OU Sooners fan!

John was an enthusiastic competitor and enjoyed playing poker, canasta, bridge and other games with friends and family. He loved being involved in the life events of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He encouraged his children and grandchildren academically and in their extracurricular activities and was proud of their achievements and in their professional careers.

John is preceded in death by his father, James A. "Jiggs" Walker; parents, Roy and Bonnie Sanders; son-in-law, Rick Boaldin; and great grandson, Xaelan Boaldin. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Sandy Walker of the home; brother, Gary (Susan) Walker, LaVernia, TX; daughters, Gail Boaldin of Marion and Kiera (Carlos) Rodriguez of Wichita; sons, Marc Madden (Rick Febres) of Wichita, Kyle Madden of Tulsa OK, Ryan (Darci) Walker of McPherson; grandchildren, Terran Rodriguez (Tom McClellan), Chris (Donna) Boaldin, Nicole Boaldin (Mike Mosqueda), Jessica (Tom) Henderson, Jeni (Jimmy) Shipman, Joey Boaldin, Noah Madden, Liam Madden, Lindsy Phillips, Codi (Brett) Cusick and Austin Huber; and twenty-five great grandchildren.

Rosary will be at 10:30 am, Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am, both on Monday, February 16, 2026, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Wichita, Kansas.

A memorial has been established with: The Lord's Diner, 520 North Broadway, Wichita, Kansas 67214 and Harbor House, c/o Catholic Charities, Inc., 437 North Topeka, Wichita, Kansas 67202.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – West Chapel.