O'Neal "Neal" David Walker

Departed this life on April 3, 2011. O'Neal "Neal" David Walker was born to Charley Monroe Walker and Josie Adrene Faulkner-Walker on February 10, 1920 in Bennington, Bryan County, Oklahoma. He spent his childhood with his family moving between southern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas, as they worked "share cropping" the different farms with the land owners.

In October of 1937, Neal joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) for 6 months, then returned home to help his family in farming. In march 1942, Neal joined the US Army, enlisting at Ft.Still, OK. After basic training he became a Medical Technician and rapidly rose to the randk of Staff Sergeant, maintaining the rank until he received his Honorable Discharge in Jauary 1946.

During his military service, he met and married Iola M. Murphy in Tempe, Arizona in December 1943. After his discharge, they made their home in the Phoenix area. Early in thier life's journey, they both had a love for playing softball and church activitie. This zeal was combined as Nealk coached and managed severalprominent softball teams within the Baptist Church League over many years. He also coached many of his son's Little League baseball teams.

Early on, Neal was the Phoenix manager for Cardox Dry Ice Company for about 6 years, before attaining the position of regional manager which required a move to California. After leaving this company and returning to Phoenix, he ran his own building contractor's business for a few years. As the contruction business in Arizona has always had it's ups and down's, Neal opted to go to work for the Phoenix Union High School District as an electrician and carpenter, where he worked until retiring. However, he still continued to remodel or rebuild every home they ever purchased, as he was a hard worker his whole life.

He and his wife, Iola had many fine years of retirement, traveling within the US and enjoying many years of hunting, fishing and site-seeing. Neal was also an avid hunter, which provided meat for the table. Nothing was taken that wasn't used as food. This was a lifelong motto. He was so very proud of attaining his "Pioneer" status and his Arizona Game and Fish Pioneer License on his 70th birthday.

Neal was preceeded in death by his parents, 6 of 8 siblings and his wife of 67 years, Iola. In a conversation with his Hospice nurse regarding his departed wife, he said "I am satisfied with God! I know we (Iola and I) will rejoice at our jejoining and I praise the Lord". In a conversation with his son, he said, "I am ready, when the Lord calls".

Neal is survived by his son, Warren (spouse Livi), and daughter Linda (spouse bill Hill), 4 grandchildren: Bart Hill, Bret Hill, Marnie Hill-Trapp and Mike Walker. 5 great-grandchildren: Kaylee Trapp, Alyssa Hill, Justin Hill, Brandon Walker and Sean Walker, 2 great-great grandchildren, Jennifer and Corbin Walker, 2 brothers, Earl and C.W.Walker, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A special family ackowledgement to Irina and Cozmin Buezea and the staff at Palm House Adult Care Home 11. Their exemplary devotion to the care and comfort of their guests can not be duplicated.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Neal Walker's memory to Youth Outdoors Unlimited, Inc. 320 S. 40th Place, Phoenix, Arizona 85034.