Sammie Walker

Sammie Walker passed away peacefully in Surprise, AZ on May 20, 2013. Sammie was born April 9, 1921 to Minnie Bell (Coffman) and Alvan Alexander Walker in Shawnee, OK. He was the oldest son. He took on the huge responsibility in helping to raise his younger brothers and sisters. Sammie proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps. He was a welder, working for Marathon Steel for many years. Sammie was very talented in making things from tools and to metal art. His passion was building houses after he learned construction in India and Africa during World War II. He had a good sense of humor and was known for turning a clever phrase. He helped his neighbors when they needed it and loaned them whatever they needed. Along with building nine houses on his own, he also helped build two houses for his parents and his brother’s house. Sammie endeavored to exemplify in his life these words of Jesus, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Sammie is survived by his adored wife of 65 years Imogene (Tucker) Walker; his two cherished daughters Sammie Gene Walker and Deborah Ann Leuthold (Clark Leuthold); granddaughters Cathy Jean Pippen and Stefanie Bradley; great grandchildren Sydney Paige Bradley and Abigail Cathy Bradley; sister Bessie Mae Backer; brother Jack Walker and numerous nieces and nephews. Sammie was predeceased by his grandson Justin Bradley; sisters Omega Childress and Addie Lee Walker and brothers Clifford, Newman and Kenneth Walker. Visitation is 5p.m. to 7 p.m. at First Southern Baptist Church, 1001 Central Avenue, Avondale, AZ. A graveside service, with military honors will be held, Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 9 a.m. at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ with a Memorial Service beginning at 11 a.m. at First Southern Baptist Church in Avondale, AZ.