Virgil Edward Walker

Virgil Edward Walker, age 86, of Merlin, died Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at his home surrounded by family.

Private interment was held at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangements.

Virgil was born January 28, 1927 in Council, Idaho to Joseph Edward & Merle Walker. He was raised in Bonanza, Oregon on a working ranch. After graduating from high school he joined the United States Army where he served in the states and abroad for three years, receiving three medals. Upon discharge he began bronc riding in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. During this time he met and married May E. Lumpkin in 1948, eloping to Reno, Nevada. When their family started growing he settled down to local jobs starting at Kaiser Steel and the Railroad in Washington. The family then moved to Oregon where he owned and operated a logging company until a logging accident crushed his leg. At that time he purchased a Richfield gas station in Merlin, Oregon, operating it for over 10 years. His final job was transportation supervisor for Grants Pass School District 7 until his retirement at age 55. He lived in Merlin the greater part of his life.

Virgil was an avid steelhead fisherman well known on the Rogue River. Trading his fishing pole for a baseball in the summer months where he continued to pitch well into his 50’s. He was also one of the founding members of the Merlin Horseshoe Club.

Survivors include a brother, Wilbur Walker of Klamath Falls, Oregon; children, Mike Walker of Grants Pass, Virgilene Walker of Merlin, Oregon, Vicki Buck of Grants Pass, Oregon and Pat Holmbeck of Medford, Oregon; six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his father, Joseph Edward Walker; and mother, Merle Haley; sisters, Lillian, Lucille and Bonnie; two grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.