Edward "Walker" Herlitz

July 6, 1977. He passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 24, 2021. He was only 44 years old and he was known to all as “Walker.” Walker spent his childhood and formative years enjoying Star Wars, playing baseball with the Baton Rouge Agency Braves, playing games on the Nintendo, fishing with the family at Grand Isle, playing the guitar and much more. Walker was a very accomplished soldier. The best four positive years of his life were when he served his country in the United States Army. Walker was selected as the 93rd Signal Brigade Soldier Of The Year in 2001. He was selected as the U.S. Army Signal Command Soldier Of The Year Runner –up in 2002. He was awarded the Leadership Award from the Noncommissioned Officer School of Infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia. During his four years of service, Walker was also awarded Three Army Commendation Medals, Five Army Achievement Medals, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. The Louisiana Senate passed a Concurrent Resolution to commend and congratulate Sergeant Edward Walker Herlitz on his being named Fort Gordon Post Soldier of the Year. These accomplishments were wonderful; but, the best day of Walker’s life was the day his son, Edward, was born. Edward was the light of his life and they spent every day talking about “anything and everything.” Walker is preceded in death by his father, Nils Georg Herlitz; grandparents, Edward E. and Lillian W. Walker, and Edith and Georg N. Herlitz; stepbrother, Kenneth K. Buhler; and stepsister, Jennifer K. Buhler. Walker is survived by his son, Edward V. Herlitz; mother and stepfather, Betti Helen Walker and Malcolm E. “Mac” Buhler; sister and her husband, Elizabeth Lillian and Raul A. Cortes; brother, Georg N. Herlitz; uncle, Edward T. “Eddie” Walker; and his stepbrother, Alton E. Buhler. A private service was held at St. George Catholic Church, where Walker was baptized, on Thursday, September 30, 2021. The disease of addiction is not one of choice, nor is it a weakness. Chances are you know someone that is struggling. Walker struggled for many years with his demons and his disease. In this day and time, we need to acknowledge that many families from all walks of life have a loved one that is hurting and do our best to show empathy and support. “So do not fear for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10-13 Greenoaks Funeral Home handled arrangements.