Heward Roy Walker

1923 - 2016

Heward Roy Walker

December 2, 1923

May 23, 2016

Heward Roy Walker, a World War II hero, passed away May 23, 2016. He was born in Arizona on December 2, 1923 to Minnie Etta (Zellner) Walker and Clarence Walker. The family of 6 boys and 1 girl moved to Sparks, Nevada in 1929. Heward graduated from Sparks High School as a celebrated football player and athlete. During high school he earned money to help out the family by catching wild Mustangs, breaking them to ride, then selling them for $10 a head. He joined the Marines during World War II as an 18 year old to fight. The day before leaving basic training in San Diego for four years of active duty, he married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Wilber, also from Sparks. Hew became a Marine Scout in the First Marine Division in the South Pacific. He served with the Navajo Code Talkers as a scout to direct Air and Artillery strikes, find downed pilots and bring them back across enemy lines to safety. He had an extraordinary sense of navigation that never failed him, and was therefore the first man sent to the various islands during battles. He fought bravely for our country and was proud to be an American.

Heward and Phyllis were the proud parents of three children: Roy, Joan and Vicki…all born in Reno. He taught Roy to hunt, fish and trap and fix up cars; and he made sure Joan and Vicki had horses to ride. Hew always had a team of horses or mules to drive in the parades in Reno and Carson City as he carried dignitaries or helped the 4-H kids. He was the Reno/Sparks area square dance caller for years, even traveling to California to call dances and sing. Hew and Phyllis enjoyed all of the many amusing and exciting experiences they shared with their square dance friends.

Hew worked for the City of Reno for many years. He also owned and ran Nevada Feed and Supply, where he made saddles. He was a founding member of the Nevada All-State Trail Riders endurance club…walking miles marking the trail for the Virginia City 100 Mile ride.

Heward could make anything with his hands. He was making water skies in his home shop before water skiing became a big sport. His Navajo friends taught him to make silver and turquoise jewelry more than 50 years ago. He became an acclaimed silversmith… his silver and turquoise jewelry is cherished by many. He was still making beautiful turquoise jewelry the month before his death.

Hew was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his parents and 6 siblings. He leaves behind his son Roy Walker (wife Randi) in Reno, his daughter Joan Cook (husband Gary) in Bozeman, Montana, and daughter Vicki Burns (husband Jim) in Sparks. He also leaves grandchildren Jennifer Powers (husband Kyle) sons Sam Powers, Adam Konold and daughter Emily Konold, Marcie Walker and son Ian McClintock, Jacy Cook (wife Karyn) and sons Hayden and Henry, Jeff Cook (wife Sarah) and sons Cole and Cade. Kyla Pascucci (husband Luke), Corine Lightner and Zane Lightner. He leaves one brother, Lloyd (wife Nellie) and nieces and nephews in Oregon (Walkers), Idaho (Seidlers) and Florida (Grieningers).

Funeral is Wednesday, June 1st at 10:00 at Mountain View Mortuary 425 Stoker Avenue, Reno, Nevada. Graveside internment to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation to Hew's grand niece "Maddy" who is battling cancer. https://www.gofundme.com/urd699ys