WALKER, Robert G. (Gorgeous)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, April 09, 2011 Robert G. "Gorgeous" Walker, born Aug. 24, 1933, in Elkhorn Township, Ill., was called to glory on March 31, 2011. He was preceded in death by daughter Jenny Gibson. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Jean Walker; son Timothy (Wendi) and son-in-law Darryll Gibson. Known to his seven loving grandchildren as Papa, adored by Krystina and Kassandra Gibson and Brittany, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Emily and Elijah Walker. Bob, Dad, Papa - you will be deeply and dearly missed. Beloved husband, father, mentor, gentle example of Christ like love, he was a man of God. He never met a stranger and had a kind word of encouragement for everyone. He was honest to the penny and faithful and devoted to his family. He had a refined, dry sense of humor. He loved to serve the body of Christ in tangible ways through outreach to the needy, whether at a weekly 5N2 Soup Kitchen or Master's Closet clothing ministry. He was a Gideon to put Bibles into the hands of those without, he was a Stephens Minister trained to listen to hurting people and offer prayer and encouragement. He led in leadership positions but mostly through his humble servant example ministering out of a true love for others. He was a man of The Word who sought comfort and answers from God's Word and then shared what he was given with others. He had been a banker for Valley National Bank and a volunteer for the Groom Creek Fire Department during which he was a First Responder within his community. That was his way, to lead from the front and as one of the first to step forward to help with no desire for recognition or acknowledgment. He grew up on a farm and as a young man worked in a munitions plant during the Korean War period. He did not know his own strength but was a gentle soul. He loved John Deere tractors yet never purchased one in his golden years, instead focusing on helping family, friends and his church. He could time a tractor with a piece of wire and his ear, he did all of his own mechanical repairs until computerized automobiles became the norm, yet even then the day of his stroke he was checking on his granddaughter's brakes because that was what Papa did - looked out for his own! That day, he was studying The Romans Road scripture references to share the next day with a Bible study group - to focus on the powerful simplicity of the Gospel and the saving grace of Christ (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23a, Romans 6:23b, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:13, Romans 10:9,10, Revelation 3:20a). He leaves a legacy that words cannot express. He will be missed until we see him again for Eternity with Christ! Join us in celebration of Bob's life at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Prescott. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to 5N2 Soup Kitchen of First Baptist Church of Prescott or Gideon's International. Information provided by survivors.