Dudley Randolph Walker passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home on Saturday, May 20, 2017, surrounded by his beloved family. Let’s dispense with the details so we can get to the good parts. He was born on September 21, 1934 in Hatchel, Texas, one of ten children to Walter Edmond (Papa) and Euda Mae (Big Mama) Walker. He served his country in Lebanon, Beirut and Stuttgart, Germany. He served faithfully and developed life-long friends who kept in touch and traveled together for the next 60 years.
Papa Dudley was a jack-of-all trades. He worked in many careers over his long and fulfilling life: oilfield worker, carpenter, auto parts wholesaler, and general contractor to name a few. But his favorite and final career was gentleman farmer where he grew hay and grandchildren. His grandchildren were his pride and joy: Bradley, Beau, Walker, Brian, Evan, Noah and his favorite granddaughter, Makena. He adored his grandchildren and they worshiped him. Everyone loved to go the farm and play on the hay, ride the four-wheeler, and basically, get pampered.
Papa Dudley and Twila, his wife of 57 years, raised three kids who gave them headaches and sleepless nights (really just two of them) but also brought happiness and fun. Jeffrey, Rhonda, and Laresa were taught to be self-sufficient, not afraid of hard work, be kind, have fun, and put family first. Dad said when his kids got married, he did not lose his kids, he gained more children to love. His most recent additions were his great grandchildren, Winston Chesley and Hallie Christensen. His family included doctors, nurses and teachers. He said all he needed was an undertaker and he would be covered for life. He said he did not need a lawyer.
Papa Dudley never met a buffet he didn’t like, especially shrimp or fish. He loved to cook for a crowd whether it was fish, ribs, brisket, or calf fries. He loved to serve and was a proud Master Mason, Shriner, and Brown County Youth Fair President. He was also inducted to the Automotive Wholesalers of Texas Hall of Fame and was a champion hay grower. We know he is missing his family, as we are missing him, but we bet he is looking for a heavenly buffet, enjoying coffee with his Red Wagon friends, fishing with his best friend Duane Beene, and reading novels and the Buzzard Roost News.
He is survived by his loving wife, Twila; his son, Jeff and wife Stephanie; his daughters, Rhonda Christensen and husband Bill, Laresa Chesley and husband Larry, andhis honorary daughter, Elizabeth Jordan Truby (who donated life saving stem cells to Rhonda); grandchildren, Bradley Christensen and wife Katie, Beau Walker, Walker Chesley and wife Hannah, Brian Christensen, Evan Chesley, Noah Walker and Makena Chesley; and great-grandchildren Winston Chesley and Hallie Christensen. He is also survived by three siblings: Lorena Dell Herrington and husband Herschel, Frankie Lou Matustik, and Walter Edmond Walker Jr., numerous loving nieces, nephews and a whole boatload of wonderful friends. He loved well and was well loved.
We wish to thank the special doctors, nurses and other support personnel at Baylor Hospital and the Brownwood VA medical center. If you would like to honor him, a donation to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children would be appreciated. It always held a special place in his heart. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas 75219
Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at Coggin Ave. Baptist Church, with Bro. Tim Skaggs officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at Coggin Ave. Baptist Church. Interment will be private at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood. Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com
