October 18th, 1941 – January 18th, 2019
John R. Walker Jr. of Weiser, Idaho, passed away Friday, January 18, 2019.
John was born to Raleigh and Alma Walker, October 18, 1941 in Ontario, Oregon. He was raised in Weiser and Rupert, Idaho, graduating from Weiser High School in 1959. After a short experience at the Flying “B” Ranch on the middle fork of the Salmon River, John journeyed to Santa Monica, California, to attend Santa Monica City College. In February 1960, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Following a two-year assignment at Tachikawa Airfield, Japan, John returned to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. After retiring from active duty service, John enlisted in the Idaho Air National Guard, July 6, 1964. John’s unique legacy in the National Guard included accomplishing the rank of Senior Master Sgt., and ultimately retiring as a Lt. Col and Deputy Commander of Support in 1992 after completing over 32 years of service.
While serving at Gowen Field in the Idaho Air National Guard, John met his future wife, Mary Vogel. They married January 11, 1975. John, already the father of two children from a previous marriage, was blessed with two more children during their 44-year marriage. After John’s retirement from the military, the family returned to Weiser, Idaho, where he became the Washington County Director of Economic Development. His success in that role, as well as his time serving as the City Clerk for the City of Weiser, culminated in his election as President of the Weiser City Council, and ultimately the four-year Mayor of Weiser, Idaho.
John was fiercely loyal to the friends he made throughout high school, in the military and while working for the City of Weiser. He cherished those relationships for the duration of his life and took great pride in the wide breadth of service he gave to the federal, state, county and city governments. The motto of the 124th Fighter Wing, “first class or not at all,” drove John’s extraordinary success in the military, his civilian careers, and as a husband, father, brother and dedicated friend.
John is survived by his wife Mary, and three of his four children, Jody (Gary), Renee (Sean), Kyle (Taylor), his brother Jim, six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Stacy (Lauren), his brother Gentry (Albertine), his sister and brother-in-law Doris and Keith Forsdick, and his special companion, Heidi the yellow lab.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 26 at the Vendome Events Center in Weiser, Idaho, at 1 p.m. His final resting place will be at the Idaho Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Donations in remembrance may be made to the Snake River Heritage Center Museum/Hooker Hall (P. O. Box 307, Weiser, ID. 83672), where John spent many memorable days.
