Walter Dolphus Walkup

Walter Dolphus Walkup, 83, of West Fork passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016 in Fayetteville. He was born March 5, 1933 in Zoe, Okla., to Samuel and Beulah Breeding Walkup. He joined the Navy in 1950 and was a metalsmith on aircraft carriers during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He married Sylvia Hurlocker on March 29, 1954 in Poteau, Okla., and they were married 53 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Beulah Walkup; his wife, Sylvia E. Walkup; siblings, Joe Walkup, Betty Rick, John Walkup, Frank Walkup and William Walkup. Walter was an avid fisherman, loved catching giant catfish, stripers, crappie, you name it. He helped coach girls softball for years and loved watching his grandkids play. He became a professional house painter for almost 40+ years. He and his best friend Dave Posey made the most intricate and beautiful wooden toys ever seen for several years at their little work shop. He helped his grandkids grow up and helped them through school, camps and even cars. His grandkids were his world. Walter helped everyone he could in need. He was the first volunteer of the year at Life Source Ministries in Fayetteville. He helped paint Compassion House Maternity Home in Elm Springs. He helped work on numerous homes that were built for the needy with Prairie Grove Christian Church. Any neighbor that needed his help in his community he was there ready to give a hand. He was a great loving Dad and terrific grandfather. In his last days of his illness due to cancer, he gave his heart to Christ. Survivors include his daughter, Pamela Knippel and husband, James of West Fork; a son, Walter Scott Walkup and wife, Ninna of Joplin; 9 grandkids, Mike Koon, Julia Crane, Sally Fochtman, Mark Fochtman, Laura Fochtman, Katrina Walkup, Kristi Walkup and Shane and Shaun Knippel; 17 great-grandkids; several nieces, nephews and their husbands and wives and children. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Prairie Grove Christian Church with Pastor Vance Eubanks officiating. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery with full military honors under the direction of Beard's Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Beard's Chapel. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.