Opal Walker

Opal Austin Walker

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 16 at the West Country Club Road Church of Christ for Opal Austin Walker, 98 of Roswell, who passed away Feb, 10, at home. The Rev Elton Dilbeck will officiate. Opal was born April 26, 1911 in Merkel Texas to William Thomas Walker and Alberta Boone Turner Walker. He is predeceased by two wives, Gladys Irene Skipper and Beth Greenwood, 3 brothers, Johnny Walker, Hayden Walker, Norman Walker, and 4 sisters Maudie Douglas, Jessie Reagan, Mary Edith Lang and Isalea Axford. He is survived by sister Faye James, sons Joe and Carlton Walker, daughter in laws LaNell Walker and her sons Stan, Todd and Ross Walker and their families, Pat Walker and grandchildren Mary Alice Walker Lysak and husband Keith, Dennis Walker and wife Tracy, Amy Pastoriza and husband Jamie, and great grandchildren Melissa Walker, Ben Walker and Isabella Pastoriza and Walker Graves.
Opal came to Roswell in 1929 and worked on ranches in Chaves and Lincoln counties before moving into Roswell in 1939 where he worked for Smith Machinery and later owned his own company, gaining an excellent reputation in the sales, installation and service of water pumps throughout southern NM. He lived most of his life and raised his family on a small farm NE of Roswell. In 1958 Opal achieved a lifetime dream by obtaining his private pilots license which kept him active until age 96. In those years he greatly enjoyed going to aircraft flyins all over the US and frequently winning their oldest pilotaward. He was an active member of the Elks and Eagles clubs in Roswell.

He was also a devoted father to his two sons promoting little league sports, 4H and many enjoyable hours of water skiing. He is still known by his family and friends as Chief. He and Gladys instilled in their two sons a good work ethic, belief in college education and the support to make that dream possible. His last years were at his farm maintaining the rental property there, aircraft maintenance, family visits travel and FLYING.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to New Mexico Christian Childrens Home, 1356 Hwy 236, Portales, NM 881309411 or to donors charity of choice. Viewing will be at Ballard Funeral Home 910 S. Main 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 13 Feb. and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday 14 Feb. Services are under direction of Ballard Funeral Home.

Because I Fly
Because I Fly I laugh more than other men
I look up and see more than they
I know how the clouds feel
What Its like to have the blue in my lap
To look down on birds To feel freedom in a thing called the stick
Who but I can slice between Gods billowed legs
and feel then laugh and crash with His step
Who else has seen the unclimbed peaks
The rainbows secret
The real reason birds sing
Because I fly
I envy no man on earth

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry maybe accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, February 13, 2010
8:00 a.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Church of Christ
700 W. Country Club Rd.
Roswell, NM  88201
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
1:30 p.m.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203