Ellis R. Walker Obituary (1918 - 2007)

Ellis joined his beloved wife Beth on June 7, 2007. He was born in Peoa, Utah on March 27, 1918 to Clarence Walker and Jane Marchant, the fifth of their six children. He was a loving father and a cheerful grandfather. He was known for his brilliant red and later on white hair, contagious smile and a laugh that was unforgettable. He has many friends who love him dearly. He was a great fisherman, loved being outdoors in the mountains and was especially fond of animals. He instilled the love of boating, camping and traveling in his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening and has left a row of tomatoes for us to enjoy while we remember him. He gained a wealth of knowledge and loved to share stories. Ellis was given a basketball scholarship to Utah State University and earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in biology from the University of Utah in 1942. He then served his country nobly in the Army during World War II and earned numerous military awards including the Purple Heart and Honor Guard citation for serving at President Roosevelt’s state funeral. His rewarding career as a service engineer with International Harvester company extended from the end of the war until his retirement. Ellis was currently serving as a sealer in the Jordan River Temple. He served in many church callings including bishop in Omaha, Nebraska. He was a life-time member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers. After retirement, Ellis and Beth served a mission in the Atlanta, Georgia temple. Ellis will be dearly missed. Even as our hearts ache at the loss of our beloved father, brother, and grandfather we delight in our knowledge of the rejoining of Ellis and Beth who were married on April 18, 1947 in the Salt Lake City temple and truly were the love of each others’ lives. Together they have left a grand family legacy. Ellis was preceded in death by his wife Beth Swenson, and brothers Mont and Glenn. He is survived by children Tim (Marsha) Walker, Jane Walker, Kate (James) Jewkes, and Diana (Charles) Neve; sisters Della Smith, Elynn Moon, Fern (Keith) Forsgren. His posterity includes 22 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 16, 2007, at 1:00 pm at the River Ridge Stake Center, 10168 S. 1000 W., South Jordan. Friends and family may call Friday, June 15, 2007, from 6-8 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 So.) and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment, Larkins Sunset Gardens.