Merle Raymond Walker

Merle R. Walker, a long-time resident of Texas City, passed away December 28, 2024, surrounded by his family. Merle was born December 6, 1932, in Kingman, Kansas to John F. Walker and Mary L. Walker. He will be missed by his wife, friends and family.

Merle served with the 503rd Army Paratrooper's (1953-1955) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and was very proud of his 18 jumps. While serving at Fort Campbell he was assigned to clear snow from Birmingham Road (Fairdealing). Instead of completing this mission he performed donuts in front of Anna Page-Hargrove's parents' house. Merle and Anna later eloped to Mississippi and married on August 29, 1954. Together, they enjoyed 70 years of marriage.

After leaving the military, Merle worked for List and Clark Construction where he was a heavy equipment operator. During this time, he assisted with the construction of the Cheney Dam in Kansas and the Toledo Bend Dam separating the states of Texas and Louisiana. After leaving List and Clark Construction, he worked for Don Tarpey Construction Company for 35 years. Merle was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 450 for 50+years.

After retirement, Merle and Anna enjoyed traveling the U.S. and Canada in their RV and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Merle and Anna spent their winters in Zapata, TX where they made many life-long friends from across the country.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary; brothers Lawrence and Glen Walker; sisters Maralee Walker, Mary Louise Kennard and Betty Vaughn; son Larry S. Hargrove and granddaughter Stephanie Hargrove-Henderson

Merle is survived by his wife Anna Mae Page-Walker; son John M. Walker Sr (Lillian); daughters Cheryl Walker Jones (Dean) and Susan Walker (Sandra); grandchildren: John M. Walker Jr., Matthew W. Walker, Christina Walker-Keresztury (Steve), William (Brad) Jones (Melody), Aaron D. Jones (Sarah), and Larry S. Hargrove II; great-grandchildren: Chase Walker, Karley Taylor, Elliot Keresztury, Kolbee Keresztury, Katelyn Jones, Lexie Jones, Callie Jones, Taylor Jones, Lacy Henderson-Turpin, Jason Hargrove, Ashley Hargrove, Amber Hargrove, Destanye Salinas, Emily Benfield, Kylee Garza; great-grandchildren: Carter Turpin, Layla Turpin, Landry Hargrove, Delaney Enfield, Kindle Taylor, Ivy Perez; brother-in law Bill Vaughn; sister-in laws Beth Page and Barbara Page.

At Merle's request, there will be no services or memorial and his ashes will be scattered. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter or charity of your choice in his memory.