WALKER, Jo Millard

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ October 1, 2007 On Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in Show Low, Jo Millard Walker left this world for the next carried on angels' wings. The youngest of three children, Jo was born April 3, 1936, to William Shyrec (Shy-ree) and Alice Lee "Morgan" Walker in Miami, Okla. In 1944 the family moved to Southern California where Jo grew up and later, during the Korean War, joined the U.S. Air Force. He received an "honorable medical discharge" after being injured while performing his duties. His first wife (name unknown) was killed in a car accident. In 1959 he remarried and, in 1960, his daughter, Kim Alice was born. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Kim remained his pride and joy, and he never tired of talking about her. In 1982 he moved to the White Mountains of Arizona. Then in 1984, while remodeling the inside of "Cheers Bar" in Pinetop, he met Margaret Ellen "Howe" Adams. From that day on they were constant companions and did everything together. You never saw one without the other, and on Oct. 9, 1990 they were married. They were best friends and soul mates. She was by his side through it all and lovingly cared for him day and night until the end. Jo played both the guitar and the organ. He enjoyed motorcycles, airplanes, flying, restoring and reupholstering classic cars, going treasure hunting and exploring with his wife, playing dominos and reading Louis La Moore books. Later, when his eyesight failed, he enjoyed listening to the Coast to Coast talk radio program, but most of all he loved and enjoyed just spending all his time with his wife. He will be missed by us all. Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Alice "Morgan" Walker, and his first wife. Jo is survived by his wife, Margaret E. Walker; three daughters, Kim A. "Walker" Watson, Sue A. Johnson and Denise M. Campbell; three sons, Steve M. Willford, Frank J. Corbett II and James E. Howe Sr.; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother William Grant Walker of California; sister Barbara Sue "Walker" Richards of Oklahoma; cousins Val and Katie as well as many nieces and nephews. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book visit at www.owensmortuary.com.