 He spent hours perfecting the placement of each element in the hopes that he would once again win the coveted  "Best Halloween Decorations" award presented by his neighborhood. I’m pretty sure he has won every year since 2006. Thankfully, the joy he had for Halloween is instilled in his sons and grandsons, so when it's Halloween, all the Walk boys go all out.

 

Christmas Eve with John Walk was legendary. I mean it was EPIC. The dining table was covered with copious amounts of food, the fridge stocked with frosty beverages, and the kids’ table set with happy meals, candy, and cookies at every turn. Absolute chaos ensued with the first note of Gene Autry's "Here Comes Santa Claus" radiating from the speakers in the living room. That particular song meant it was “go-time" for the kids’ presents, and we're not talking one gift, we're talking gift bags the size of small cars filled to the brim with toys. The amount of joy permeating from that one room was enough to light up the town. I watched in amazement as John relished having his house bursting at the seams with all the people he cherished. He spoiled all of us and he loved every minute of it. 

John's spirit will forever remain in my heart, and I look forward to watching the pieces of him shine through my husband and my boys as they grow. Thank you, John, for bringing us so much joy. You will be missed beyond measure. 



As a small boy, John had colossal dreams of being a true cowboy; it was a dream he would carry throughout his life. Growing up he idolized the likes of the Lone Ranger and iconic country western stars like Roy Rodgers, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Bruce Lancaster. He loved horses, which was evident by the painted ponies that lined his mantle and the artwork that covered his walls. He learned to line dance, which allowed him to come one step closer to his dream.  He welcomed the opportunity to get decked out in his boots, hat, belt buckle, and fringed shirt. We were privileged to see him in his element at the Concord Dance Hall for his 70th birthday. It was one of my fondest memories of him, and one that will forever make me smile. 

 

John had an impeccable memory. He was a master of dates and numbers. He would never forget a name, a face, a birthday, or an important event. Most times the details of an event not only included the year but also the month, day, time, and the names of who was there.  It was truly astounding and I'm thankful that this is a trait my Jeff inherited.

 

John was a compassionate helper and spent many years wheeling the patients around the halls of St. Luke’s Hospital as they traveled from point A to point B. He never met a stranger and always had a story to tell. 

 

As a father-in law, I struck gold. He welcomed me as a daughter and my parents as friends. John and my father both attended Mizzou. They both were drafted and served as supply sergeants during the Vietnam War, so many of their conversations were centered around their war experiences. Even though John was more reserved about discussing this time in his life, he never silenced my dad, and for that I will always be grateful. 

Halloween, oh Halloween. If you knew John, you know this was the holiday that made him just giddy with excitement. The front of his house just oozed with ghosts, goblins, sounds, lights, werewolves, inflatables – he had it ALL. 

Our world was forever changed by the devastating loss of our beloved Papa Johnny. He was not only an extraordinary dad to my husband, but he was also his best friend. I found incredible joy in hearing them talk often and at length about sports, politics, movies, the latest Amazon gadgets, and of course, his beloved grandchildren. John LOVED his grandchildren, but the bond he shared with my son Michael is one that will forever melt my heart. From birth, Michael just adored Papa Johnny, and he quickly became the apple of his eye. As soon as he could talk, he let the world know about his Papa. He was his person and he made sure that every teacher, friend, and even strangers knew about the infamous Papa Johnny. The love for him just radiated from his heart and he was so very proud. Video chat became a staple between these two multiple times a day. I would marvel at John's patience as he listened intently to Michael rattle off every Pokeman card in his 500-piece collection while staring at the ceiling fan in Michael’s room. If Michael called, John answered – no matter how many times or how many hours he was on chat, he was always there to listen to whatever my son had to say. I loved him for making Michael feel special and important. I'm comforted by the fact that Michael inherited many of his best qualities – his endless gift of gab, his compassionate empathy, his everlasting patience, his infectious smile, and of course his love for DANCE.     
His love for our entire family was unwavering. He provided shelter when we were stranded, food when we were starving, money when we had nothing, and love when we were down. He would offer, but not push, support without question and never pass judgement on any decision, right or wrong. He was a listener, a voice of reason, a safe conversation, and the one with a world of knowledge. His passion for reading was apparent in the hundreds of books that lined his shelves and his thirst for knowledge unquenchable. 

John, had a zest for life with a quick wit and a smile always on his face and kind word for anyone who met him. He was a very caring and loving person. And will be missed by many.

OBITUARY

John Leroy Walk

July 16, 1944 – January 17, 2021

Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel

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