Robert Walker

Did you feel that? A disturbance at the veil, a ripple in the fabric of our universe. That was Robert J Walker returning home with the angels and most assuredly causing a commotion upon his arrival. He passed just days after his 86th birthday on December 2, 2025, at home, surrounded by family.

Bob or Rob to many, Robert was born in Delta, Utah on a brisk Saturday morning, November 18, 1939, to Jess Walker and Elaine DeGraff Walker. He was their firstborn of four children with two brothers and a sister who would follow. Their parents fostered a home of culture, music and learning.

Robert spent his early youth in Toppenish, Washington where a life-long love of the outdoors began. After several years the family moved back to Utah and found a home in Heber. "I kept the angels really busy when I played in there," he would often say of his time spent playing at Red Cliffs and exploring the abandoned grist mill. Surprised looking back at how he hadn't lost life or limb, adventuring. When Robert was twelve the family moved to Pleasant Grove and Robert hasn't ventured far since then. He excelled in High School track and football, setting several state records. However, he'll tell you his greatest achievement in those years was winning the heart of Karen Swensen whom he married on August 20, 1960. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.

Robert and Karen raised three children together while Robert's love of drawing lead him to a career as a draftsman architect. The majority of his career was spent with Ken Harris Architecture and finding time to use those same skills designing and building his own homes. Robert and Karen shared twenty-one years together before Karen was taken by cancer in 1981. Through those years Robert and his brothers sang together, performing at countless firesides and local concerts. Those brothers enjoyed a reason to practice together as much as they loved performing and continued to do so into their eighties.

Robert found a second chance at love when he married Judith Wells in September of 1983. Judy and her five children moved in, and he committed to love and raise them as his own.

If he wasn't sketching or writing, Robert was probably planting something. Or watering it. Thank goodness he had a yard big enough for that hobby. He also had a complicated relationship with God, especially later in life. Robert wanted far more clarity and answers about life, suffering and the universe than he felt he ever got. And that is the greatest silver lining of his passing. Without question, he is busy getting at least some of those answers.

Robert is preceded in death by; his eternal companion Karen Walker, his parents Jess and Elaine Walker, his stepson Taylor Harward and his younger brother Lynn Walker. He is survived by; his brother Steve Walker, his sister Marda Walker, his wife Judith Walker, his children Kriste Walker (Megan Matthews), Kurt Walker (Jennifer), Brook Peterson (Neil), 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and four stepchildren along with their families.

Funeral services will be held in the Manilla Creek Fifth Ward, 3785 W. Boxelder Dr. Cedar Hills, UT at 11:00 am on Friday, December 12, 2025. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing prior to the service from 9:00 am to 10:45 am. Interment will follow the service in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at olpinmortuary.com.