Sam Walker
February 10, 2015
Sam Walker was born on May 13, 1938 in Jonesville, LA to the late Tilton Walker and Mattie Everett. At the age of 12, he was baptized at the Pure Light Baptist Church in Jonesville, LA. Sam was an employee at Drake University for 21 years. He loved sprint car races and watching the Chicago Bears. He liked to cook and liked to eat even more. He was great at fixing things and was known as “fixitman.” He was the proud owner of the Let’s Make a Deal appliance store for many years.
Sam passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Kavanagh on 56th in Des Moines. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tilton Walker and Mattie Everett-Liggins; uncle and aunt (who raised him), John and Mary Walker; sister, Mary Ann Bates; brothers, John Walker, James Walker, Charles Walker and Leonard Walker; and son, Wendell Walker.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Patricia Campbell-Banks (Steve) and Charlotte Ann Walker of Houston, TX, Andrea Sanchez (Abel) of Brooklyn, IA and Assunta Walker-Jolivette of Iowa, LA; son, Bradley Samuel Walker of Lake Charles, LA; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; special nephew, John Walker Jr. of Houston, TX; special niece (just like a sister), Shirley Bates of Natchez, MS; very special friends, Kelly Kennedy, Georgia Sheriff, Ronnie Rupe, Heidi Ball, Sarah Bauer, Catherine Jarmofsky Cristina Toledo and Claude Johns; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, especially his Drake University Head Start co-workers.
Memorial contributions may be directed to HCI Care Services, Kavanagh on 56th, 900 56th St, Des Moines, IA 50312.
Ben aguirre
07/07/2016
My deepest sympathy to all the family members.Our beloved brother Sam.we are the Aguirre family from San Diego CA.just found out today July 6,2016.we are all deeply saddened and so very sorry that we found out so late. We love you brother Sam.and you forever be in our hearts.we will always pray for you.eternal rest grant our brother Sam o Lord. RC kin's Ben. Bob rocky ailene
John Wood
02/21/2015
I will always remember Sam as a humble man with a great spirit. He always had time to say hello, and to tell a story. He also was willing to help anyone that needed it, and give his time. I will miss Sam dearly.
LaVonda Bates
02/18/2015
My heart is sadden as I think back to my childhood an the great times I've had with you an how you gave me the nickname "Dollar girl" I will always hold on the those memories One great memory is of you in the kitchen cooking "Man unc you were a great cook, You were a wonderful man not one mean or bad bone in your body, He loved everyone! To his children you all have my deepest condolences an you all are in my prayers!!!
Sanela
02/18/2015
Prayers and condolences for family and friends. Sam was truly an amazing person that will be very missed.
Kim dejoode
02/18/2015
I will always remember you for your bright smile and the way you made me laugh. You made the room light up the min you came into it. The kids and drake head start staff loved a visit from Sam I am who always knew how to fix things. I truly lost a good friend and heaven gained a great angle. I will miss you. I have your family in my prayers.
Tom n Bobbi Yaw
02/17/2015
Sam what can I say ,you will be missed by so many and especially Tom and I. I will miss the howdy Mrs. Tom how are u today and your big smile and warm hugs. The guys at the yard will miss that big smile . Till we meet again God Speed love The Yaws
jeri Deo Claude's daughter
02/17/2015
Sammy was very special person always ready to give a hug and a smile. We will miss him very much.
Barb Highland
02/15/2015
I will always remember Sammy when I worked with him at Drake Head Start...he always had a smile for everyone and always had time for you when you needed anything to be done...he was always cheerful and always had that sweet smile on his face with a "Hi Barbie and he always ask me how was Mr. Bill....he will truly be missed by everyone that he came in contact with....Drake Head Start will not be the same without Sam there....RIP by dear friend....I love you and will always remember the good times I had working with you....
Grace Higdon
02/13/2015
I won't forget this man for so many reasons! He consistently took time for anyone who crossed his path-a lesson for us all! He gave us all nick names and knew my grandchildren by name! Sam was the go to person for about anything you needed including keys to everywhere! He made the morning coffee in the office and I miss it so much. Sam-I love you, I miss you and your light will forever burn bright in my heart!
Jean Hansen
02/13/2015
Sam had a smile for me and a greeting every time I saw him at the School of Ed. He always seemed truly interested in how my day was going. He will be missed.
Susan Harn
02/13/2015
Sam, you were a Star. I really believe your light will continue to shine on all of us who knew and loved you.
Ron & Linda Rupe
02/12/2015
If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives. Thanks for your friendship respect and love even though we weren't related I have always been proud to call you brother!!
Glad we got to be a part of your dash.
Godspeed Sammy Whammy Love you brother!
Michael Couvillon
02/12/2015
Sam always made time. No matter how busy he was or what he was doing he would always stop to talk, visit, or help. He was an amazing and genuine man. Sam's daily presence will be greatly missed!
Chuck Sengstock
02/12/2015
I will miss talking to Sam about sprint cars and other interests we shared. He was a wonderful soul and it was always a pleasure when we found a moment to converse. I will miss you Sam. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Mary Lee Byers
02/11/2015
Sam always had a smile! That is what I first think of when I think of Sam. You will be missed. Rest easy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.