Don Walker

David Don Walker was born October 12, 1935, in Stamford, Texas. He was the only child of Dave Putnam Walker and Salibel Oldham Walker, and he passed from this life on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at the age of 87.

Don spent his childhood growing up on a cotton farm east of Tuxedo, in Jones County. As a boy scout, he traveled to New York by train at age of 14. He always referred to it as a Boy Scout Jamboree. In high school, Don played football for the legendary Gordon Wood. During the 1953 season, the mighty Stamford Bulldogs were Ranked #1 in the state the entire season, but unfortunately lost a close game in the 3 ^rd Round of the playoffs in Lubbock that year to Phillips. Gordon Wood later stated that the loss was the greatest disappointment of his coaching career. Don also played basketball and was a member of Stamford FFA, being awarded Lonestar Farmer. Don graduated from Stamford High School in 1954. After graduation, he attended Tarleton State in Stephenville on a football scholarship. He finished his degree at Abilene Christian College, before returning to the farm. Don served in the Army National Guard for 7 years following college graduation.

On August 1, 1969, Don married Carol Anita Leach in Boise, Idaho. They made their home in Jones County on the property where Don was raised.

That same year, Don was an integral part of the opening of the Jones County Grain Elevator. He served for 25 years as a Director of the Cotton Gin Coop and the Soil Conservation District. Don also served as PTA President, Booster Club President, and President of the Old Timer’s Association. There was never a more avid fan of Stamford Bulldog football or the Texas Cowboy Reunion. Don never missed a rodeo and watched many coaches guide the Bulldogs, attending both home and road games until his health no longer allowed.

Other than the time he served in the National Guard, Don spent his entire adult life farming and ranching near Stamford. He followed in his father’s footsteps as a farmer, but his first love in agriculture was raising Hereford Cattle. He started his Registered Hereford herd in 1947 as a 4-H project. Walker Herefords lives on today in Fayette County, near La Grange.

Don was a devoted Christian, husband and father and lifelong member of the Orient Street Church of Christ, where he served as both a Deacon and an Elder for many years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dave Putnam Walker and Sally Oldham Walker. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol Leach Walker and their 3 sons: Tom and wife, Leigh Anne of La Grange, TX and their 2 children - Kenzie Tomaselli and husband Chris of New Braunfels, TX and Ty Walker of College Station, TX. John and wife, Julie of Austin, TX and Murry and wife Andrea of Round Rock, TX and their 2 children- Zach and Ashley.

A visitation will be from 5 until 6 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Tankersley Funeral Home at 807 S. Columbia, Stamford, TX. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Orient Street Church of Christ at 510 S. Orient Street, Stamford, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stonewall Living Center - 931 Broadway Street - Aspermont, Texas 79502 or the TCR Old Timers Association % Annette Wilson -12233 CR 235 – Avoca, TX 79503.

Online condolences may be made and viewed at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com