Obituary published on Legacy.com by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels - Missouri on Nov. 4, 2025.
Raymond Walker was born on September 23, 1938, in Magnolia, Arkansas. The fourth of five children born to the union Danny and Earlean Walker. He peacefully departed this life on October 31, 2025, at the age of 87, at home in Lebanon, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his father, Danny Walker; mother, Earlean Harrell; brother, Willie Roy; sisters, Martha Anne and Josephine Taylor; and stepfather, Frank Harrell.
Raymond moved with his family to North Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1943 and later to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he attended Gibbs Elementary School. In 1947, the family relocated to
Kansas City, Missouri, where he attended Attucks Elementary and R.T. Coles High School. When R.T. Coles High School closed in 1954, he was transferred to Manual High School, where he graduated in 1957 as a Major in ROTC.
After graduation, Raymond enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving for four years. While in the Marines, he attended San Diego City College and Ventura City College. He received an honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1961 and earned several accommodations during his service. Following his military service, Raymond lived in Oxnard, California, where he worked at the Navy Missile Center.
Raymond accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and actively served in several church organizations. He united with Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jessie Walker.
In 1962, Raymond married Bertha Dixon. After 12 years, the marriage was dissolved, and no children were born to this union.
In 1971, Raymond moved to Urbana, Illinois, to assist his uncle, Robert, with his trucking business, Mr. Softy. After the passing of his uncle, he continued working as an electrician and earned his Master Electrician License. During his time in Urbana, he became a member of Free Will Baptist Church, where he also served as the church electrician. In 1974, he relocated to Springfield, Missouri, to work for the Department of Justice at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners as an Electrician Foreman. After retiring from federal service, Raymond returned to
Kansas City, Missouri, where he joined his brother, Willie Roy Walker, at Walker Electric Company. The two worked together for many years.
Throughout his life, Raymond was deeply involved in community affairs and received numerous awards for his accomplishments. However, what mattered most to him was his faith, his love for God, and his devotion to his family. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, where he sang in the choir and served on the Trustee Board. In the last four years of his life, he was unable to attend services due to illness, but his faith and spirit remained unwavering.
Raymond leaves to cherish his memory two sisters Catherine Collins and Cathy Jo Harrell. Several nephews: Edward (Andrea) Allen, Reginald Walker, Royce (Valerie) Walker, Torean Walker, Christopher Walker, Robert Harrell, Donte Henderson and Derek Allen, nieces Teresa Gonzalez, Donna Woods, Diane Byers, Deborah Collins, Carmella Kelly and other relatives and friends.
Raymond's vision was for the entire family to come together as one, and he encouraged everyone to embrace that goal. Uniting the family is his Legacy.
The Accomplishments of Raymond Walker
Raymond was employed by the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners (MCFP/BOP) in Springfield, Missouri, as an Electrician Foreman. He also served as the EHD Recruiter and was the former Manager of Black Affairs.
Raymond was invited to organize a Blacks in Government Charter in Springfield, Missouri. He served as Chairman of the Souvenir Ad Committee for the National Training Conference held in Kansas City and as Chairman of the Region VII Big Committee, where he helped develop a comprehensive recruitment and networking plan to attract qualified applicants for government positions.
Raymond was deeply devoted to his family. In 1983, he founded the Amanda Watson Family Club in
Kansas City, Missouri, and served as its President. He later became National President, a role he held until 2018. Under his leadership, the club expanded, establishing chapters in multiple states, and continued to flourish for more than 35 years.
Raymond was deeply engaged in his community throughout his life. He served as Director of the Task Force of Springfield, providing technical assistance to both local groups and individuals. He also dedicated his time to Washington Avenue Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri, where he served as a Bible class instructor, Sunday school teacher, and choir director. In addition, Raymond contributed his talents and energy to the United Negro College Fund Raising Committee.
Raymond previously served as Vice President and State Treasurer for the Missouri Black Leadership Association, Region II, and served as Director of Future Black Leaders of America, a youth organization based in Springfield, Missouri.
He founded the Youth of Today, Adults of Tomorrow Club, an organization created to provide opportunities for youth personal growth and development. He officially chartered the club with the State of California, as well as the Moors Investment Organization and Moors Blood Bank in Oxnard, California. While living in Oxnard, he served on the Board of Education Advisory Committee and co-produced the Busing Plan currently used by the Oxnard School System. This plan was chosen from among 44 proposals submitted to the Board of Education.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday November 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church 2411 East 27th Street KCMO 64127. Interment: Brooking Cemetery. Visitation: 10 – 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com