Donald Ray Walker

Donald Ray Walker, 87, of Fritch, Texas, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, December 13, 2024, with his two daughters, Debbie and Linda, by his side. He was born on November 8, 1937, to Orvil and Pauline Walker in a little backwater town in Beech Grove near Paragould, Arkansas.

 At 17, he didn't want any more back-bending cotton picking, so he set out on his 20-year beloved career in the US Navy. The Navy sent him to San Diego, CA, where he met the love of his life, his wife of 61 years, Cuba Irene Grimes. Together, they proudly served their Country while creating a beautiful life that produced two daughters, Debbie and Linda. While in the Navy, they lived in the San Diego area, San Jose, Memphis, TN, Brunswick, GA, Guam, and ended their career in Milton, FL. While in Guam, Don proudly earned his pilot's license and enjoyed flying around the Marianna Islands. They retired in Clinton, AR. After retirement, Don had several career moves before deciding to embark on their move to Fritch, TX, in 1980, retiring again after a 19-year career with Cardox (Air Liquide) in 1999. Don and Cuba enjoyed many years being Snowbirds in the San Antonio area, Lake Medina, with many of their Fritch/Borger area friends.

Grandpa is a title deserved by some, Great Grandpa is a title given to a few, and Great-Great Grandpa is a title reserved for the best. Don achieved all three titles. Three of Don's Grandsons followed his path and chose to serve their Country—Jamie and Shawn in the Navy and Chris in the Army.

Don had a lifelong love of music, and he loved his Gibson guitar and singing anywhere he had the opportunity, whether at church or jamming with his friends and family.

After losing his beloved Cuba in 2018, he decided to take up riding, specifically on his Can-Am Spyder(s). Don had the privilege of joining the Viet Nam Vets MC and enjoyed many rides with the club. He also had many adventurous rides with his Spyder riding buddy, Jerry Lucas.

For the past 6-years, Don's love for his family knew no bounds, and he joyously followed his daughters and son-in-law on many great vacations, played hours of Mexican train, ziplined, and went tubing with his grandson and family. Don looked forward to his Tuesday/Friday breakfasts at Chris's Kitchen with his favorite Vets. Don also loved the Lord and was ordained as a Deacon at the tender age of 86, a proud moment for sure.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister-Orvilee Fleming, and great-grandson Alex McAlister.

He is survived by his daughters, Debbie (Terry) Tolbert of Gilmer, TX, and Linda Manasco of Borger, TX. Grandchildren: Jamie (Wendy) McAlister of Amarillo, Patrick (Natalie) McAlister of Norwalk, CT, Chris (Kristi) Dowling of Fritch, Whitney (Wes) Skierski of Pantego and Shawn (Rachel) Dowling of Fritch and Step Grandchildren: Travis (Becky) Tolbert of Hutto, and Barry Tolbert of Richardson. Great-grandchildren: Caley Massengale, Zoey Skierski, Maddox Dowling, Hallie McAlister, Jericho Dowling, Saylor McAlister, and Colt McAlister. Step Great-grandchildren: Kelsey and Brayden Tolbert, and Madison Tolbert. Great-Great Grandson Ja'Kai Massengale. His siblings Billie Pacillo, Buck Walker, Carolyn Douglas and Peggy Krutz. He is also survived by his special friend, Neta Green, and his precious caregiver, Megan Hardin.

As we bid farewell to Don, we will remember the warmth of his love, the gentleness of his spirit, and the endearing legacy of a life well lived. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn, and may his example inspire us to embrace each day with love, patience, kindness…and a healthy dose of fun.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Caprock Nursing & Rehabilitation in Borger, as well as BSA Hospice of the Southwest. Their care and compassion toward our father and us was exemplary.

Cremation is under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors.  A celebration of his life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Celebration Family Church in Fritch.