Russell Wesley Walker

Russell Wesley Walker, age 97, of Pea Ridge, Ark., went home to be with Jesus on Aug. 16, 2014, at his home. He was born on the homestead north of Pea Ridge March 9, 1917, the 10th of 11 children born to Robert Franklin "Pete" Walker and Ethel Virginia Rogers Walker. He completed the eighth grade at Shady Grove and then attended Pea Ridge High School. He enlisted in the US Army and was on the troop train en route to Fort Knox, Ky., when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He served in seven countries as a tank driver with the 1st Armored Tank Division in WW II from 1941-1945. He was involved in the North Africa and liberation of Italy campaigns. Technician Fourth Grade Russell Walker was awarded six bronze stars, a Purple Heart, Silver Star, two citations, and a good conduct medal while in the US Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Pea Ridge and married Eula Mae Webb July 9, 1945. After returning from WW II, Russell was a farmer, carpenter, and homebuilder before he became the first maintenance supervisor at the Pea Ridge National Military Park from 1960 to 1977. After retiring from the National Park Service, he worked as a handyman for over 20 years in the Pea Ridge area. He was a member of the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church for over 80 years and served as an elder for over 60 years. He was also a life member of VFW Post 8109 and life member of the Masonic Lodge No. 119 for over 65 years, and other community roles. His favorite activities included playing the family card game "Pitch," buying a box of junk at a farm sale for 50 cents just to see what was in it, making apple cider with his own apple press with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, growing his own fruits and vegetables in his garden, and building furniture for all the family. His love of God's word was evident by his ability to quote scripture for hours. His influence is far beyond his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Eula Mae in 1994, two sisters- Elsie and Artie, seven brothers- Henry, Ray, Earnest, Glenn, Floyd, Fred and Klyce, and granddaughter Christy. He is survived by daughter Sue Ruddick and husband John Ruddick of Gravette, son Jim Walker and wife Susan of Gateway; grandchildren- Brett Cottrell and wife Angela of Canton, Ga., Tiffany Jones and husband Dan of Tulsa, Okla., Josh Cottrell and wife Kathryn of Siloam Springs; eight great-grandchildren- Morgan, Ben, Landon, Matthew, Isaac, Hannah, Tyler and Katelyn; his brother Max of Pea Ridge ; stepgrandchildren Stormy and Eric and stepgreat-grandchildren Dalton and Mason, and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and precious friends. Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 18, from 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church Pea Ridge. The celebration of Russell's life will be Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church Pea Ridge with grandson Brett Cottrell and John Gibson officiating. Burial will be in the Pea Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the name of Russell Walker to the Gideon's International or Circle of Life Hospice, 900 N.E. Verdant, Bentonville, AR 72712. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.