Van Walker

Earl Van Walker Jr., long time Pine Valley resident returned to his heavenly father on April 9, 2024 at Meadowbrook Place in Baker City.  A Traditional Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 – 11:00 a.m. at Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway, Oregon.  A potluck reception will be held immediately following at the Pine Valley Grange.

Van was born on Friday, October 13, 1927 in Blackfoot, Idaho which he always referred to as his lucky day, to his parents Earl Van Walker Sr. and Alberta Goodwin Walker.

After graduating high school he enlisted in the US Army, December 1945, serving in Germany.  While assigned to an infantry Airborne Division earning the occupational and World War II victory medals.  He married the love of his life, Delberta Backus on December 24, 1954 and they spent 54 years together.  They moved to the Brownlee Dam Construction site in 1957 where he managed a local store.  After the dam’s completion, they purchased their ranch in the Carson area of Pine Valley.

Van was an avid fisherman and hunter.  Van took great pleasure in tying his own flies and loading his own shells.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Delberta; brothers Lane and Robert (Bob) Walker and step son Jerry Smith.

Van is survived by his sons Earl & wife Louise of Branson, Missouri, Kim & wife Janet of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Steve & wife Annette of Salt Lake City, Utah, Don & wife Roberta of Baker City, Oregon; step-children Diana Mayo of Halfway, Oregon – Glen & Marlene Smith of Nampa, Idaho; numerous and beloved grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

With special thanks and gratitude to Julie Daly and entire staff at Meadowbrook Place for the loving care they gave to Van over the years.  He loved you ALL!

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Van, may do so to either the Meadowbrook residence Fun Fund or VFW Post #7847 through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com