Wayne Walker

Wayne Wesley Walker, age 92, of Yakima passed away on June 26, 2018. He was born January 6, 1926 in Prosser, WA to Claud and Ethel Walker. The family soon moved to Buena Loop where Wayne attended grade school, graduating from Toppenish High School in 1944. He then enlisted in the army, being stationed in the Philippines as a mortar gunner/rifle and carbine combat infantry man with Company E of the 128th. Later he served in the army of occupation in Japan. Wayne was honorably discharged in July of 1946 and attended Central Washington University on the G.I. bill receiving a B.A. in Education in 1950. In 1951 he was wed to Leah Ruth Schaal whom he had met at a cousins wedding. The couple raised four children, David, Patricia, Tim and Cynthia. During the 1950’s and 60’s Wayne taught at various valley grade schools but also worked at times in other occupations including stints at Lauck’s Laboratories and Boeings in Seattle. Wayne finished his career working for the Washington State Dept. of Ecology in Olympia for 13 years before taking early retirement in 1982. Wayne had a lifetime enjoyment of golf, operating his ham radio and rock collecting and polishing. For a short while he dabbled in a side business in upholstery. During his retirement years he also took up gold panning and metal detecting. Wayne was also a lifelong Christian with an interest in seeking out the truth, attending many various Protestant denominations. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Marvin and eldest son David. He is survived by his wife Leah, his daughter Patricia Walker of Walla Walla, son Tim Walker of Yakima, daughter Cynthia Nichols of Yakima, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Viewing will be 10:00 am, Monday, July 2, 2018 with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am, both at Valley Hills Funeral Home (2600 Business Ln., Yakima). Military Honors will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wayne Walker, please visit our flower store.