WALKER, Earl
Earl Walker was born October 20, 1927 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Earl transitioned to eternal rest on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in the City of Riviera Beach, Florida. Earl was a man who lived life to the fullest and brought laughter and smiles to each and every one he touched. His memory and legacy will always be cherished and loved by his devoted wife, Elena Walker; one daughter, Linda Sampson; several step-children; one sister, Gertrude Walker Eutsay; a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and devoted friends and neighbors. Preceded in death by one son, Kim Walker. Earl was raised in Pleasant City and attended the public schools of West Palm Beach, graduating from Industrial High School in the class of 1946. After graduating from high school, he displayed a strong desire in joining the United State Army. Earl enlisted in the United States Army, October 26, 1948 as a small arms repairman and master armorer. While serving in United States Army, he was deployed and fought for his country in the Korean War. During this war Earl received several awards for valor, meritorious service and heroism. He was especially proud of the prestigious Bronze Star Medal he earned for meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy in Korea on September 25, 1950. After successfully serving his country, Earl was honorably discharged on June 16, 1952 at the end of the Korean War. It was not until he was called home to be with his father, when his devoted wife learned that his pristine and decorated military career, along with the awards earned him the option to eternally rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Earl always embodied the passion to help others, this was a strong motivator behind his decision to join the West Palm Beach Police Department on December 7, 1959. Almost four years later Officer Walker was promoted to the rank of Sergeant of Police on October 23, 1963. He defeated all odds during the time of segregation when he was promoted to rank of Lieutenant of Police on April 24, 1967. His unwavering service did not go unnoticed by the City of West Palm Beach or the citizens he served. During this tenure, he received eight letters of accommodations and for each yearly evaluation his performance was indicated as being excellent. After devoting twenty years of exemplary service to the City of West Palm Beach and its citizens Earl retired from the Police Department on January 7, 1980. After retirement, he continued service with the Palm Beach County Sheriff Office. He was employed with the Palm Beach County Sheriff Office as a sworn Deputy for approximately fifteen years before retiring. Upon retiring Earl realized he had more time to participate in his favorite pastime of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, and tending to his firearm collection. He enjoyed sharing his experiences as a West Palm Beach Police Officer, the adversities he faced and the great stories of just simply catching the "bad guy". Earl's great nephews were very fond of these stories, which lead them to follow in his footsteps as Law Enforcement Officers. These fond memories of Earl Walker will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all the people that he touched and encountered. We weep because Earl is no longer in our midst; we rejoice because we know he is resting in the arms of Jesus Christ. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Florida. In lieu of flowers The Walker Family is requesting that donations be made to the WPB VAMC, Hospice Unit-Code 8083. Offering can be mailed to Voluntary Services (135), 7305 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33410.
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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Feb. 18 to Feb. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl WALKER

Sponsored by Royal Palm Funeral Home.

12 Entries

Rubye Garvin

March 18, 2019

I will always Love you you will forever be in my heart Rubye Garvin

WPBPD 1972

Eugene Savage

March 23, 2017

He was the first Black lieutenant that I served under, while working for West Palm Beach Police Dept. EW66 (his initials and ID#), were telltale signs of his scrutiny, whether on your evaluation, report approvals, commendations or reprimands, etc. I am saddened to hear about his loss and sorry that I didn't know about his final arrangements until yesterday. Last time I saw him was in 2015 at the VA. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.

Eugene G. Savage

Marissa Espino

February 28, 2017

May you rest in peace Earl. May you look over all your loved ones but especially my grandmother. You were the true definition of a hero. I'll cherish the memories we had together for the rest of my life.. Thank you so much for being a great husband, a loving step father and a great grandfather. You will be forever missed and forever in our hearts.

Nelda Ortiz

February 24, 2017

Earl rest in peace,You will be greatly missed.You will forever be in our memories..Thank you for all the great stories and words of wisdom that you bestowed upon us..For sharing alot of your Life's experiences..Your reciepe for turkey soup that you wrote and signed..But most of all for Caring for each and every one of us..Until we meet again❤

Chuck Van Zile

February 23, 2017

I worked with Earl from 1962 until I transferred to the Bureau around 1973. I HIGHLY RESPECTED Earl. He was really one of the GOOD guys. -

Art Apicella

February 22, 2017

I worked with Lt. Walker at the police department. He was an honest and kind man and was always there when you needed him.

February 22, 2017

EW66

Lt Earl Walker signed all of my reports for the first 3 years at the WPBPB. He was an honest and caring supervisor and I never heard him utter an unkind word the entire 7 years I worked with him.

I respected him for being his own man and when some others were complaining and resigning, Earl stood firm and did the right thing. He was respected by all his officers and was not one to get excited. He had a calming demeanor and it helped us all be better officers.
I lost contact him after he left the PD but ran into him one afternoon at the PBIA where he was a PBSO deputy. As usual he had a smile on his face and a positive attitude.
He was the best of the best at the PD all those years.
Semper Fi Earl
We will miss you.
Bernard Mortenson
Sgt. WPBPD 1964-1972

February 22, 2017

Being a stepfather is one of those heroic roles that rarely gets the recognition it deserves. I wanted to write this message so everyone will know what a hero Earl Walker was to me, his stepdaughter, Sonia.

Although I have called him Earl all of my life, I have always seen him as my father. Earl taught me so much, from simply things such as 4th grade math to more complex things as driving a car. But this does not compare to what he taught me throughout my life growing up, that has made me the strong woman/mother that I am and for that I am eternal grateful.

Earl taught about loving people, being respectful, about humility. He taught me to be outspoken, to ask questions. Basically he taught me how to be a human being.

To me. Earl was so much more than my stepfather, he was my mentor, my teacher, and also my friend.

I never thanked him for loving me like I was his own, or for being such a fine husband to my Mom. How I now wish I had.

I could never imagine what my life would have been if Earl wasn't in it.

Earl, I am happy that you are resting, but so very sad for my Mother because she deeply misses you.

But I know you are in heaven, God was waiting for you with welcoming arms.

Your love and attention survives. You have had a major impact on my life. I will always love you and appreciate everything you have ever done for me.

Love,
Sonia Tijerina

john andersen

February 22, 2017

I had the pleasure of working for LT. walker as a west palm beach police officer from 1969-1971. He was a soft spoken man who never let his men down. I never saw him fear anything. During the troubling times of the Viet Nam war and the racial unrest earl was always a leader who was a calming factor.
When a majority of the black officers resigned in protest Lt walker remained on the job. He was fair with everyone. He made sure the job was done fairly and correctly. I was and am proud to have Lt Walker as my shift Lieutenant and to have known him. The Palm Beach Post should write about him and how he broke many racial barriers by staying with the department and doing his job.

David Ortiz

February 22, 2017

Earl was my grandmothers husband, but he was so much more. My brother and I would listen to his tales and adventures and hang off of his every word. He was a great role model in a world where it was hard to find one; was loved dearly and will be tremendously missed. Rest well, and watch over us. Side note: His advice and Grits & sausage links made me the man I am today! :)

Daniel ortiz

February 22, 2017

Dear Earl
I can honestly say I myself was lucky to be able to hear These awesome stories. They were the most interesting from war to the History of the city of west palm beach you made them feel real and exciting. Me and my Brother enjoyed the weekends over at you and my Grandmother's house.. From the Early Morning walk with the dog to just having breakfast cause you were a great cook. I would like to thank you for Always being Great to My Grandmother....you were the true definition of a man Stong, couragous, kind, & wise I'd always admire you for that... therefore to me you will always hold a special place within..
Thank you for everything and Rest with the Angels
Sincerely Daniel

Jerome Davidow

February 19, 2017

I was a neighbor of Mr. Walker for thirteen years in the Flamingo Park neighborhood. From my occasional conversations with him, I learned that he had been a veteran of the Korean Conflict and then served West Palm Beach as the first African American police detective. Our city and our country owe him our thanks.

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