During the early morning of March 21, 2018, Don passed away at home as a result of a long fought battle with cancer. He was 79 years old and was surrounded by his wife, children and canine companion Nikki.
Don was born in Helena MT on June 13, 1938. He was the first of three children born to James and Ellen Walker. He attended Helena Cathedral Catholic School through the 8th grade and then graduated from Helena High School in 1956. He immediately joined the United States Air Force and served in Japan as a Radioman where he intercepted foreign communications.
After the Air Force, Don worked for the Smelter in East Helena. With persistence, he earned an apprenticeship with Mountain Bell traveling around Montana converting towns from human operators to automated dial tone systems. He continued in the telephone business for 29 years retiring from AT&T in 1989.
In late October of 1960, Don went on a blind date with Elizabeth “Betty” Vogl and met the love of his life. Three weeks later they were engaged and married in April of 1961. For 6 years, Don traveled while Betty worked in Helena and raised their four J’s: Jim, Jodi, and twins Joan & John. Don and Betty built a home in the Helena valley and have enjoyed 57 years of marriage.
Don was raised in the Montana outdoors. He passed on this love to his children by spending every weekend camping, digging for rocks, fishing, hunting or just piling the kids into the back of the Wagoneer to go for a drive. Don and Betty enjoyed archery and were part of the Helena Archery Club. He loved music and dancing and even played guitar and sang in a band at local clubs. Don was always interested in unusual pets including a pet monkey, piranhas, rabbits and the beloved tarantulas. His home was never without at least one dog.
Don and Betty were invited to hunt for petrified wood in 1970. They were instantly hooked and became lifetime members of the Helena Mineral Society. Don continued to be intently focused on finding and creating amazing works of art using rock and gemstones throughout the rest of his life. His rock work became widely known and highly prized winning Best of Show many times.
Don was always committed to fitness and made exercise a part of his daily routine. After he retired, he started a 25-year membership at Crossroads Athletic Club. He could be seen walking or biking all around the Helena valley. He set and achieved the goal of being able to ride non-stop up McDonald Pass and, with determination, conquered the Divide numerous times. In order to stay active in the winters, he took up cross country skiing and loved to explore the trails near Frontier Town.
Don kept his sense of humor until the very end. He personally asked his family to express gratitude to all that helped him through this journey. Everyone he met at the Cancer Treatment Center, the Oncology floor and St. Peter’s Hospice treated him as a friend.
Don was preceded in death by his parents James & Ellen (Gottbreht) Walker; fathers-in-law, Leo Vogl and Joe T Fallini; an infant daughter, Victoria Lynn; brother, Jerry Walker; sister-in-law, Joann Vogl; son-in-law, Everett Smith; grandsons, Denis Karasev and Andrew James Walker.
Don is survived by wife, Betty Walker; mother-in-law, Helen Vogl Fallini; sister, Judy (Roy) Reynolds; sisters-in-law: Debbie Walker, Kay Duncan, Barbara Vogl, Pat (Gary) Grose; brothers-in-law: TJ (Ronnie) Vogl, Ed (Lynn) Vogl; children Jim (Anya) Walker, Jodi Walker Smith, Joan (Scott) Tabbert, John (Edie Ann) Walker; grandchildren: Liuda Karaseva, Liza Walker, Tara D’Avis, Victoria (Dan) Hinther, Logan and Kyle Tabbert, Tucker, Brenna, and Leo Walker, Rivers and Mia Macias; great grandson Malachi Swoger.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Coffee and Cookie reception will follow the service in the Social Hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Resurrection Cemetery after the reception.
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 27, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Social Gathering
After the service
Tuesday March 27, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
After the gathering
Tuesday March 27, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 27, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Social Gathering
After the service
Tuesday March 27, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
After the gathering
Tuesday March 27, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Brenda Grossman says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Uncle Don will be missed by many! I love you all.
Shawna Pratt says
Dear Walker Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was such a wonderful man. Please know you are all in my thoughts in prayers. Much love to you all.
From the heart,
Shawna Pratt
Char Lewis says
Walker family:
So sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Don. Thoughts and prayers to your family in your time of loss.
Sincerely
Char Lewis
Marla says
My heart is broken for Aunt Betty and the 4 Js. I love all of you and will dearly miss Uncle Don. I just keep seeing his smile the last time I saw him, when he thought no one was looking. Oh, and his poor pups too. I’m here if you need anything. I love you guys.
Shauna Hance says
Dear Walker family,
I am so very saddened to hear of Don’s passing. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed by so many people. Mom and I send our biggest hugs, condolences, and prayers to all of you at this very difficult time. Hold the memories close to your heart and know that he will be forever watching over your family.
Lots of love,
Shauna (Wenger) Hance
Kayel Jones says
My thoughts and prayers are with all.
Marissa says
Betty, Jodi, Jim, John and Joan I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers. I remember his kind quiet smile and it always made me so happy. He will stay with you and cast his genuine smile and kindness down on you thru your journey here on earth. All my love, Marissa
K. Kelly Richards says
Thoughts and prayers are with you and you family.
Carri Dilly says
I’ll think of you every time I go rock hounding. You gave me the rock hounding bug when I was young on our outings. I’ll never forget my first sapphire I found. My heart and prayers go out to you Aunt Betty and Jim, Jodi, John and Joan. I love you all.
Debbie Coen says
Aunt Betty and family
Thinking of all of you during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love
Greg, Debbie, Savannah and Cameron
Roy and Judy Reynolds says
Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Tim & Elaine Myles says
We are so sorry about Don’s passing. We have really enjoyed seeing all the photos you have shared on facebook. He is obviously very loved and a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Each relationship is so special. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love and Hugs.
Terry and Kim Stubby says
I enjoyed working with Don when he was with AT&T and would come to BCBSMT to work on phone system installation s. He was truly a delight to visit with.
Terry and I both enjoyed talking to Don and Betty everytime we would see them out and about. They always were busy with their cherished gemstone hobby and famiky events.
Don will be missed. Our hearts are with you as you celebrate Dons life.
ron shields says
Thoughts and prayers, lots memories from the McHugh neighborhood and “Ronnies Club” in East Helena and
our recent visits at the Cancer center. Ron & Addie Shields
Nancy Morgan says
I’m so sorry for your loss. May your loving memories comfort you and your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. John and Nancy Morgan
Pat Therriault says
Betty, just know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. When I was in High School with Judy I didn’t know Don. He was a few years older than his sister. I got to know you at OLOV church. GOD BLESS
Stanfill family says
Jodi and family, I am so very sorry for yor loss you are all in my thoughts and prayers
Beth & family
Stanfill family says
Jodi and family, I am so very sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth & family
Robert Bayles says
Betty & Family
I was so sorry to hear of Don’s passing and am so grateful that I had some time with him last November. We were best friends all through high school and beyond. We spent a lot of quality time together for many years, hunting, fishing, camping, archery. I hunted with Don and his Dad, Don and his son, Jim, and our boys. After you two married, there was dancing, more camping, rock hunting and family outings. Lots of good memories. I learned some things from his obituary that I didn’t know or had forgotten.
Bob & family
Cathy Shenkle says
Betsy and family,
I am saddened by the loss of Don. You all are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope wonderful memories will bring you peace.
Cathy Shenkle
Karen Elliott says
Betty, Jim, Jody, John and Joan,
I can’t tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I’m sure your heart is aching to lose such a strong figure in your lives. I’m happy to have experienced his talks, his sense of humor and the way he sucked on that one tooth when he had a quip to share but wasn’t sure where to start. I am grateful that I have bike ride memories with him. (he could always out pedal me) I will miss Don very much but he will always live on in my heart. Karen
Prudence says
Hi Betty, So Sorry for your loss, Jere and I enjoyed the two of you , always had a good time together… Jere passed a way in 2011, I soo miss him.. all my blessings to you and family… you will be fine…Prudence Cooper
Linda McDermott Braun says
Linda Carlson McDermott – remarried Bob Braun in June of 2017. We are both 1956 classmates of Helena High with Don Walker and would like to send our condolences to the family. Bob and I both lost our spouses to Alzheimer’s, and are saddened to hear of Don’s passing. God bless you all.