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Louis WALKER Obituary
Louis Edward Walker Jr. of Spokane, WA, passed away on October 31, 2023, one day after his 85th birthday. Lou was diagnosed with an invasive melanoma in August that quickly traveled to his brain. He died peacefully at Deaconess Hospital surrounded by his family's love near and far.
In 1958, he married the love of his life, Kay Diane Jans. Together they raised four children and enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Louis lived a life of service starting with his career in the Washington State Patrol where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant serving in Vancouver, Washington. After retiring from WSP in 1992, he spent the next ten years as a Truancy and Retention Officer for the Evergreen School District. In 2002, he and Kay relocated to Spokane, WA, to be closer to the farmland they both loved. In retirement, he and Kay traveled the country and world fulfilling lifelong dreams. He continued to dedicate himself to service through involvement in parish activities as a 4th-degree Knight of Columbus, Lions Club leadership, serving as a marshal at Latah Creek Golf Course, and numerous other volunteer activities. As an avid golfer, he achieved a "hole in one" and also bowled two perfect 300 games. Big Lou was known for his encompassing bear hugs, booming laugh, and love of Gonzaga basketball and beer-can chicken. He will be deeply missed.
Louis loved his family fiercely and is survived by his wife, Kay, their four children and spouses, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren: Karen Walker (daughter) and Robert Larson of Winchester, VA; Patricia (daughter) and Kirk Garton of Spokane, WA; John (son) and Robyn Walker of Vancouver, WA; Elizabeth Ann (daughter) and John Martinez, Estella, Spain. Additionally, Louis leaves behind his sister, Carol Sue Thompson of Kennewick, WA.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Cathedral Choir at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Spokane, WA, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Spokane, WA, or Melanoma Research Foundation, melanomafoundation.org. A memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2024.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Louis WALKER
Terry Cox
December 3, 2023
Rest In Peace Dear Man. My condolences to Kay and the family. He was well liked by the hundreds of choir students of Kay's over the years. He was Uncle Louie to us
Danny St Pierre
December 2, 2023
As a young Trooper in Vancouver I had occasion to work for Lou when he was a Sergeant. I remember and often shared with friends the following story:
I was working the Orchards area and had stopped for coffee at the Sifton Fire Hall. The fire station had a scanner inside, so our coffee breaks often exceeded the 15 minutes allowed. I heard Lou, on the scanner, asking for my location: "191...597...what's your location? As I scrambled out the backdoor of the firehall to respond.......there he was sitting in his patrol car....He smiled, shook his finger at me and drove off. He was always a fair person.
My kids remember him as Big Lou from the walk and knock program.
God Bless
Jim Kenoyer
November 14, 2023
As a new WSP cadet, I remember the first day I met Lou. He was busy, not only contacting the public but training me on how and what it means to be a Trooper. We both lived on the North Beat so we would trade dinners from his home to mine. Kay served great spaghetti. Lou was big and bold but had an insight and gentleness that needed to be taught to us rookies. One night we stopped an elderly lady who was weaving in the road. She was on her way home and was having difficulty seeing. With her permission I drove her car home while Lou followed. A ticket would have served no purpose. Rest in peace, my friend.
Lars "no 5"
November 10, 2023
I am humbled , proud and sincerely honoured to have been embraced by your genuine love , kindness and care , accepting me into the family as one of your own and being referred to as "no 5". I will never forget that first moment when I saw you and Beth standing waiting for me at PDX as I got off the plane, arriving from Stockholm-Sweden for my Senior Year in the U.S and EHS being the proudest of all passengers as you were in your full WSP uniform making everyone´s attention focus on us as I was getting my first ever (of many more to follow) of that famous warm big Lou hug and welcoming that only our big Lou. could do.
You will be missed by us all but you are always here with us in our hearts and beloved memories. Your No5 forever
No 5
Darvin Zimmerman
November 10, 2023
I recall his booming voice and great smile. I knew him from Lions and his job at WSP. He was just a very nice man.
Mike Bjur
November 10, 2023
Loved working with Lou, his knowledge and wisdom was so appreciated and respected. I consider it a honor to have known and worked with him. Mike Bjur
Gary Hallett
November 10, 2023
Lou and I were classmates at the WSP Academy in 1964. Great guy. Not to many of us left. Gary
Donald jans
November 9, 2023
We will miss you uncle Lou. Hope you´re roasting dad and mom in heaven !
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