Donald Charles Walker

DONALD CHARLES WALKER

01/28/1935 - 12/20/2013

Donald Charles Walker, 78, of Farmington, went to be with his best friend, Jesus, on December 20, 2013. Don was born January 28, 1935, to Charles and Alvira (Meyers) in Arkansas City, Kansas. The family moved west of Blackwell, OK, when Don was two, and he spent his growing years on the family farm. He attended Valley Center School and Blackwell High School, where he graduated in 1953 after representing his high school with the highest honor bestowed on a male student, The Maroon Spirit.
After high school, Don enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Korea 1954 to 1956. He finished his enlistment in 1956. Don then attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK., where he graduated in 1961 with a petroleum engineering degree.
One week after his graduation, Don married Lennis Anne Cobb. Theirs was a marriage lasting 52 years. Don and Lennis started their marriage in Lafayette, LA, where Don worked for Tenneco Oil. In 1964 they moved to Durango, CO. In 1967, Don's career took them to Albuquerque, where he worked for Pubco Petroleum. Another move took them to Farmington in 1971 when Don joined El Paso Exploration. Don retired from Meridian Oil in 1996. He was recognized by Meridian Oil for his contribution to the company by a monumental Rock at Munoz Point near the San Juan River Quality Waters.
Don and Lennis retired to Vallecito, CO., living there beside Vallecito creek until 2007 when they moved back to Farmington.
Don and Lennis have two children, Douglas Jon Walker, of Farmington, and Donna Lynn Walker Battles (Dennis), of Half Way, Mo. Don was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Farmington, serving as Elder and on the Church Council.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Berneitia Bunch and Charlene Tapp. He is survived by his wife, Lennis, children, Doug and Donna (Dennis): and three sisters, Linda Basson (Chuck), of Denver, CO, Martha Powell, of Chandler, AZ; and Nancy Lucena (Paul), of Sacramento, CA; along with nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
The family will celebrate the holy season knowing Don will be at the best birthday ever. A memorial worship service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at Zion Lutheran Church in Farmington with the Rev. Gary Thur officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to Zion Lutheran Church, 7455 Foothills Drive, Farmington, N.M. (505-325-3420) or to Rio Grande Downs Syndrome Network, RGDSN, P.O. Bos 6759, Albuquerque, N.M. 87197-6759 (505-382-5061).
"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, to glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." Jude 24-25.
Don's care is entrusted to Alternative Choice, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, 505-325-9611. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.