Bobby Dan Walker

Bobby Dan Walker, age 84, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on Thursday, July 2, 2020.  He was born in Elgin, Texas, on April 9, 1936, the third son of Pauline and Millard "Buck" Walker.

Bobby’s father worked for the Elgin-Butler Brick Company and so his early years were spent living about five miles east of Elgin in the company town of Butler, with its small store and brick houses for the employees and their families.  The brickyard also proved to be a source of steady work for Bobby and his three brothers after school and during the summer.

Bobby enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Elgin High School.  He served during the Korean Conflict with the 7th Division Artillery Unit as a Specialist 4 Surveyor in the 105 Howitzer Battalion from January 1960 to February 1961.  While in the Army, Bobby's stature lent itself to a love of volleyball.  He ended up becoming a vital member of the 7th Division's winning team.  He served for two years as a Specialist 5 in the National Guard following his tour of duty.  He remained committed to recognizing the service and sacrifice of fellow veterans as an active member of the VFW Post 6115 Honor Guard.

Bobby continued his education at Nixon-Clay Business College.  He studied accounting and then went on to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety Headquarters in Austin, Texas.  Bobby retired from the DPS as an accounting supervisor after 36 years of service.

Bobby met the love of his life, Helen, while on a blind date arranged by his older brother, Emmitte.  The two married on April 21, 1962, at the First Baptist Church in Round Rock. During their 58-year marriage, the couple spent time in Austin and Houston before settling in Elgin to raise their two children, Donna and Charles.

Bobby was committed to serving God as a member of the First Baptist Church of Elgin and McDade.  He held several positions at the First Baptist Church in Elgin including Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Sunday School superintendent. He also sponsored youth activities, drove the church bus, and even once dressed up as Goliath during a reenactment of the Bible story.

Bobby long supported the young people of Elgin as part of God’s calling for his own life.  He advocated for their strong educational foundation during his 12-year tenure on the Elgin ISD Board of Trustees. His passion for Little League Baseball was well known.  He saw many a ballplayer cross home plate as a volunteer umpire throughout the Central Texas area.  Bobby was selected as part of the umpiring crew for the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, PA., in 1982.  It was quite the reward for his dedication to that All-American youth sport.

Bobby was a thoughtful, optimistic person and remained so throughout his seventeen-year battle with lymphoma.  He enjoyed his life, especially the time spent with friends and family, in the pages of a good book, at a favorite fishing hole, and watching M*A*S*H on TV.  Whenever someone parted his company, they left with a firm handshake and even a big hug for those particularly fortunate.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Emmitte and M.A. "Bo" Walker, and in-laws, Ruby and Charles M. Bradley. Bobby leaves behind his wife, Helen Bradley Walker; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Lanny Brown; daughter-in-law and son, Kristin and Charles Walker; grandchildren, Kelsey, Emily, and Bradley Brown and Rubylaine Walker; brother, Paul Wayne Walker; and numerous beloved family members.

Bobby found his life's inspiration in the words of Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me."

A viewing will be held from 11 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Wednesday July 8, 2020 Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.

Services will be private.

**Funeral Services will be live streamed via Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home and First Baptist Church Elgin Facebook page beginning at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, July 9, 2020**

ln lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Elgin Little League, MD Anderson, Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma Society, or Elgin VFD.

https://www.facebook.com/providencejonesfamilyfuneralhome/

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