DeVere Ercanbrack Walker

DeVere E. Walker, 84, of Farmington , passed from this life on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 in Albuquerque . He was born on March 15, 1928 in Lindon , Utah , to Ezra and Alta Walker.
He graduated from Pleasant Grove ( Utah ) High School in 1946 and served as a missionary in the Eastern States Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1948-1950. Following his mission, DeVere attended Brigham Young University where he met his wife, Shirley Warner, of Kirtland. DeVere and Shirley were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on May 4, 1951. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1951, received an officer commission and then served in combat during the Korean War and was in Korea when the cease fire was declared on July 27, 1953.
Following the war, DeVere earned an education degree at BYU in 1955. After teaching school in Utah , the couple moved to Farmington in 1959 where they raised five children, Michael, Tamra, Kristie, Shannon and Sean.
DeVere enjoyed a 30 year-long career with the Farmington Municipal Schools. He was a 6th grade teacher at Apache Elementary School (1959-1966) and was promoted to Assistant Principal at Tibbetts Jr. High School in 1966. He was transferred to Heights Jr. High School at its opening in 1969.
While teaching, he attended summer semesters at the University of New Mexico earning his Master's degree in 1971. He then became Principal at Ladera del Norte Elementary School (1972-1987) and Country Club Elementary School (1987-1989).
DeVere continued his military service in the New Mexico National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve until his retirement at the rank of Major in 1976.
DeVere also served in many volunteer leadership and service positions in his church, the American Red Cross, the Farmington Museum Board and the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a member of the Four Corners Harmony Barbershop Chorus for many years.
DeVere is survived by his children, Michael Walker, of Farmington, Tamra Headrick, of Marysville, Ohio, Kristie Bush, of Northfield, Utah, Shannon Walker, of Farmington and Sean Walker, of Albuquerque. He leaves behind 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103. E. Ute St. in Farmington .
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1310 East 25th Street (Knudsen and 25th) in Farmington with Bishop Lane Allen conducting.
Interment will be at the Kirtland-Fruitland Cemetery .
Pallbearers are Ryan Walker, Graf Butler, Stefan Butler, Jarom Walker, Christian Butler, Michael Walker II, August Butler and Austin Walker.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jeff Walker and John Butler.
DeVere's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington , 505-325-8688.