Willard Clayton Walker

Captain Willard C. Walker

Captain Willard C. Walker, affectionately known as “Bobo” by his grandchildren, passed away

peacefully at Beckley Veterans Hospital on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 2:19 a.m., surrounded in spirit by the family and community who adored him. He was 91 years old.

Born on January 12, 1934, in Posey, West Virginia, Willard made his home in Fairdale, where his presence became a blessing to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Grace M. Plumley Walker, and by his

brothers Olaf K. Walker, Dexter E. Walker, and Claude W. Walker Jr.

 Left to treasure his memory are his devoted wife of 60 years, Melva Jean Walker; his sister Olivene Zeithaml; his brother Jack Lee Walker; his children, David Walker and his wife Dulce Walker, and Sara Lucinda Walker Elam and her husband Bobby Elam; his beloved grandchildren, Kaitlan Walker-Spector her husband Max Spector, Ian Michael Walker, Robert Joe Elam II, Katherine Hope Elam, and Elizabeth Grace Elam; his cherished great-grandson, Robert Joe Elam III (“Trey”); and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A proud graduate of Trap Hill High School, Willard went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps for twenty-four years. A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars, he retired as a Marine Captain after a distinguished career. He later continued his life of service as Director of Technical Services at National Mine Services, where he worked faithfully for 26 years. Willard’s life, however, was defined not only by his accomplishments but by the way he loved and uplifted others. He was a man of integrity, dignity, and unwavering faith. A devoted Christian, he was an active and cherished member of Breckenridge Missionary Baptist Church, where his presence and faithfulness inspired all. He poured his heart into the Trap Hill Alumni Scholarship program, believing deeply in the power of education and the importance of giving young people the chance to pursue their dreams.

To his family, friends, and neighbors, Willard was more than a Marine or a community leader—he was a source of wisdom, kindness, and unconditional love. His front porch was a gathering place for laughter, advice, and stories, and his open heart made every person feel valued. After retirement, he delighted in traveling, enjoying quiet moments with his beloved wife, and being surrounded by the family he so dearly cherished. To his grandchildren andgreat-grandson, he will always be remembered as “Bobo,” a name that carried love, laughter, and countless memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Trap Hill-Liberty Scholarship

Fund or Breckenridge Missionary Baptist Church Backpack Ministry, 437 Breckenridge Road, Bolt, WV 25817-9606.

Funeral services will be held at Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley, West Virginia, on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., with services beginning at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Dewey Lowe will be officiating.