Michael “Mike/Skipper” Roane Walker, 78, of Jersey Village, devoted father, husband, veteran, and community servant, set sail on his final journey after a long and courageous battle with cancer on September 14, 2018. Mike was born in Beaumont, TX on September 1, 1940, but developed his passion for the sea and sailing during his childhood in New Iberia, LA, and Gulfport, MS, inspiring him to become a naval aviator, proudly flying “the last gunfighter” F-8 crusader with the VF-11 “Red Rippers” aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt and VF-13 “Fighting Thirteen” aboard the USS Shangri-La. The last Crusader he flew is on display at the former Forest Brook High School. Mike was a lifelong scouter and “Skipper” for Sea Scout Ship 502 “Invincible” from 1989-2004, recognized as the inaugural national flagship in 2002 under his helm. “Skipper” served as the first Gulf Coast Sea Scout Advanced Leadership Training (SEAL) director and received the Venturing Leadership Award and the Silver Beaver Award for his noteworthy service to the Boy Scouts of America. As a father, Mike served as coach, sports commissioner, and scout leader. He also served on the charter committee for the City of Jersey Village. Mike was a graduate of Gulfport High School, MS, then earned a degree in Economics from Rice University, and an MBA from Texas Christian University. After honorable naval service, Mike became a successful businessman, beginning in the aeronautical industry, then petroleum, investment management, and finally to real estate, where he and his wife built a prosperous and admired franchise.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ann Walker; son John Walker and wife Evelyn, and their seven children, Carol Ann, John “J.R.”, Mary “Mary Beth”, April, Teri, Michael, and Gloria; son William “Bill” Walker and wife Michelle, and their four children, Madyson, William “Cameron”, Bryson, and Meghan; son Allen Walker, an Eagle Scout, and wife Stephanie, and their two children, McKayla and Michael; brother Charles “Charlie” Walker and his wife, Carolyn, and their sons, Hal and Wayne; sister Pat Walker and her daughters, Whitney and Whiley; his beloved dogs, Gracie and Maxx; and the very many young men and women he impacted through his leadership in Boy and Sea Scouts. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Ross” Walker, mother, Elizabeth, and sister, Elizabeth “Betsy”.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Friends of Texas Sea Scouting (fotss.org), an organization “Skipper” helped to establish.
Friends and family are invited to attend the services for Mike on Friday, September 28th, 2018. His committal service at the Houston National Cemetery will be at 10:30 AM. His memorial service will be at 11:30 AM, presided by Mike’s nephew, Wayne Walker, at the American Heritage Funeral Home located at 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038. A catered reception will follow at 12:30 PM.
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