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.
Matt Bruinekool
02/11/2015
I will miss hearing "Matt Matt". Sam was a truly great man and his positive attitude always reminded me of how we are suppose to treat one another. I will truly miss him. The School of Education has lost a part of its foundation but the memories of the great person he was will live on. Rest in peace my friend.
Catherine Gillespie
02/11/2015
Sam always remembered my name even though I didn't work directly with him. He always said hi and took a moment to chat, even though he was almost always on the way to complete an important errand. We need more people in the world like Sam.
Mary Vaske
02/11/2015
Sam was always a bright spot in any day! He was always quick with a laugh or smile and loved to tease! What a relief when he would come and fix problems. I will miss you Sam. Your family and friends will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. RIP...
Steph Besch
02/11/2015
Sam always knew how to make people smile--such an amazing man! I loved that he always had a smile on his face! He will be greatly missed! In my thoughts and prayers!
Heather Stemsrud
02/11/2015
Sam was amazing! You couldn't go anywhere without someone knowing who he was. He made everyone he met feel important. He was definitely a people person. My kids call him Sam the candy man because he always gave them candy when we would visit the office. He was an amazing man and he will be missed! What a great loss to this world. My family will be keeping you in our prayers.
Leslee Cran
02/11/2015
First impression of Sam was he had that rare gift of making people feel good just being around him. He was upbeat, had a great smile, a warm welcome, good jokes & pranks, and delivered it all with southern style! He was young @ heart. I hear the kids loved the caped crusader's visits to class. He'll be missed but not forgotten.
Heidi J. Ball & Family
02/11/2015
You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Sam will be greatly missed by all who have known him. I was blessed to have him in my life. My children will always remember his stories and teasing ways! We love you Sam!
Keel Comito
02/11/2015
Head Start just isn't the same without Sam I Am. We will miss him so much! Keeping family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.