Walter L. ‘Bud’ Walker, 82, Neosho, died Aug. 20, 2010, at Medicalodge in Neosho.
Bud was born Oct. 6, 1927, to Walter Joe and Mae Patterson Walker. He graduated from Stella High School in 1944 and from the University of Missouri School of Law- Columbia in 1953. He established his law practice in Neosho and practiced until his retirement in December 2005 after 52 years. He was a veteran of World War II and Korea and was wounded in action in Korea in 1951.
Bud was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star. He was a member of the Stella Masonic Lodge and served as Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F. and A.M. His other Masonic lodges were the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine and Red Cross of Constantine. He was a long time member of the Neosho Lions Club, Disabled American Veteran’s, American Legion of Neosho and 40 and 8 of Joplin. He was a member of the First Christian Church, where he served as Deacon Emeritus and a long time Sunday school teacher.
Bud married Marilyn L. Land on June 24, 1951, and she preceded him in death on June 1, 1999.
He is survived by two daughters, Marcia Cowen and husband, David, Bixby, Okla., and Charlotte Ward and husband, Bryan, Neosho; two beloved grandsons, Weston and Cordell Ward, Neosho; one sister, JoAnna Freeman, Pittsburg, Kan.; and one brother, James L. Walker and wife, Joann, El Dorado Springs, Mo.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church, Al Gritten, minister will officiate. Interment will be in the Neosho IOOF Cemetery with full military honors. Serving as pallbearers will be John Sims, Bill Dobbs, Scott Watson, Harvey Lakin, Russ Hively and Russell Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be Ellick Garren, Ed Parker, Bud Farley and Dave Watson.
Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday and at 7 p.m., the Grand Lodge of Missouri will conduct Masonic Services.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Masonic Home of Missouri, Western Unit or Stella Lodge No. 538, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, 64850.
Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com.
Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho.
