Joe Alvis Walker, of the Ida Community passed away Sunday, November 20 at Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman, Texas.
Joe was born October 10, 1938 in the little community of Cherry Mound, Texas to William Ray Walker and Eunice Elta Aldridge Walker. His brothers and sister were William Hugh “Bill” Walker, Mildred Oleta Walker, Tony Newell Walker and Thomas Leon Walker. All of his siblings and parents have preceded him in death with the exception of Thomas Leon Walker.
Early life was spent in Grayson and Fannin Counties and by 1950 his parents had moved the family to Fort Worth, Texas. Joe graduated in Fort Worth from Diamond Hill/Jarvis School, May 28, 1957.
His work life began in the early 50’s in Fort Worth as a paper boy on a walking route. As time and money were earned he progressed to riding a bike, while rolling and throwing newspapers. Then by the age of 16 he had earned enough money to buy his first new car…which was his dream at that time.
Joe served his nation in the U.S. Army doing a tour in Germany. He then returned to the work he loved at the Fort Worth Star Telegram as a district manager. His life with the Star continued to blossom and he received many awards and honors. During this time he married Judith Kaye “Judy” Tidwell and raised a family. They grew together in marriage along with their children by working on a paper route as well. Joe was a hard worker at anything he did. He also had a passion for cattle and horses and raised them throughout his life. As time went on he lost his wife Judy and two of his baby sons through death.
Sometime later he met and married Sandra Stevens who was also a district manager of the Fort Worth Star Telegram and they married October 25, 1991. They were blessed with 31 years of marriage in 2022. Joe’s children are: Rhonda Jo, and Ronnie Joe Walker. Rhonda’s children are Sevin Allen Washington, Jewleia Ahching-Montez and one grandchild Leland Montez. Ronnie has one son, William Chance Walker. Joe also shared Sandra’s children and grandchildren: Cyndi, her daughter and son-in-law, Steve Smith and their two children: Landry and Elisabeth Smith. Daniel Wayne Stevens, her son and his three children: Daniel Justin, Stephanie Lynn and Jessica Lynn. Daniel also has one grandchild, Anthony H. Parde’.
Joe had the privilege to be uncle to numerous nephews and nieces. He was quite fond of them all and they were of him. He was a friend to everyone, and was always willing to help anyone in need and was loved by many.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00pm Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the Ida Baptist Church, Sherman, Texas. Officiating the service will be Rev. John Reynolds Pastor of Ida Baptist Church. Honorary Pallbearers will be Carl Fite, Tom Walker, Jack Walker, Chance Walker, Justin Stevens, Landry Smith, Sevin Washington, and Randy Christopher. A visitation will be held 6-8pm Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, Whitewright, Texas.
Graveside Services will be held 2:00pm Friday, November 25, 2022 at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas. A brief visitation will be from 1:30pm and service at 2:00pm.
Memorials may be made to the Ida Baptist Church in Joe’s memory.