Harlan Ellington Walker

Harlan Ellington Walker
Harlan Ellington Walker, 89, of Buna, Texas, passed away on June 23, 2023, in Kirbyville, Texas.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 30, 2023, at Claybar Kelley Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. Officiating will be Pastor Paul Swearingen. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Claybar Kelley Watkins Funeral Home.

Born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on July 24, 1933, he was the son of John Ashton Walker and Gladys (Ellington) Walker. Harlan graduated from University of Texas in 1956 before working as the Resident Manager of the Kirby Forest Industries Silsbee Complexes. Harlan was a gunsmith and enjoyed competitive shooting especially with his son and grandson. He was a member of the SASS Big Thicket Outlaw group with the alias “Osage” and performed in area gunfight re-enactments. Harlan loved both fresh and saltwater boating activities including water skiing, scuba diving and spear fishing. He was an avid duck hunter. He enjoyed rebuilding Ford tractors and Vintage Mercury boat motors. Most of all, Harlan loved spending time with his family and supported them in any endeavor they pursued. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him including his pets.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Walker; parents, John and Gladys Walker; and lifelong friend, Robert Yates.

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Walker Heirtzler and husband, James of Buna; son, Cary Walker and wife, Michelle of Beaumont; honorary daughter, Diana Harrell of Tomball; honorary son, David Martinez of Beaumont; grandson, Gregory Nash and wife, Katie of Buna; step-granddaughter, Jaelyn Galley and husband, Conner; step-grandson, Justin Heirtzler of Buna; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Walker of Dallas; caregiver, Aunt Dana Rice aka “The Sheriff”; and mother of his children, Anna Walker of Beaumont.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Woods, Andre Rosales, David Martinez, James Heirtzler, Gregory Nash, and Paul Palaganas. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Vick, J.C. Verde, Gil Nunez, and Melvin Moss.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Heart Association at (heart.org), Multiple Sclerosis Association of America at (engage.mymsaa.org), or Beaumont Animal Care, 1884 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77703.