William K. Walker

MANSFIELD -- William K. Walker passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at the age of 91.
Service: 11 A.M., Friday at First United Methodist Church, Mansfield. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at Blessing Funeral Home, Mansfield.
William K. Walker (Bill) was born on January 14th, 1924 in Mansfield, Texas. He died at home surrounded by the people he loved on July 14th, 2015. Bill was a real Texas gentleman who stood larger than life to most of our family. His life reads like a classic novel. He and his older brother, Ralph were born into a successful young family. His father owned a general store in downtown Mansfield and was also the principal of the high school. His mother did all the books for the store and worked on being the best mom in town. But their lives changed dramatically when his father became ill, caused by the mustard gas he was exposed to during WWI. When he died, the family had to sell all their land and spend most of their money for his care. After his death, Bill would learn many lessons but the ones that were most cherished by him were of the men in Mansfield, Texas who stepped up to help with both Bill and Ralph, teaching him the important lessons all boys needed to know. Since his mother had to return to work, several women in town came forward to help with cooking and cleaning.
When Bill was 17, he met the young woman who would become his wife. They married and would remain the example of what love should look like for the next 69 years. During that time, Bill would first become a city councilman and later he became the Mayor of Mansfield. He was so very proud of those years and the work his team accomplished during very trying times. During those years, he also served as Scout Master, giving back to that generation of boys. After leaving his position as mayor, Bill went on to work his way up the line with S.W. Bell. He retired as an executive for that company after over 42 years.
Of all these memories, his most precious possessions were his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He also grew to love the beautiful people that were his caregivers. His grandson Rafe Walker spent every day taking care of him and that brought our family so much joy.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Ella and his mother and his father.
Survivors: Those of us left behind to mourn are: His brother Ralph, His son Scott Walker and his wife Debby, his daughter Debby and her husband, Charley. His grandchildren, Wade Burk and Donna Burk, Josh Burk and his wife Stephanie, Aaron Burk and his wife Jael, Michelle, Rafe and his wife Brandy, Gabe and his wife Kelly, and David. His great-grandchildren: Eliot, Bishop, Adam, Mayleen, Jasmine, Lily, Ty, Layla, Reina, and Amelia.