Obituary of Marion Walton Walker

Walker Jr., Marion (Bud) Walton

Age 76 passed away on November 26, 2020. Preceded in death by his parents Col. Marion Walton Walker Sr., (1994), Laura May Walker (2014), Nathaniel Arrington Smith (1986), and Lucy Watson (2005).

Born February 22, 1944, in Columbus, Georgia. During his father's deployments in WWII and Korean War Bud became an avid baseball and football player in the Columbus, Georgia area. He told us many stories about his younger years and the impact that sports had on his life. Later his father was stationed in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he graduated from high school and met Carol.  His football career took off and he received a football scholarship at the University of Kansas. It was a perfect hat trick of events.

Bud worked as a salesman for Hallmark Cards for over 20 years and relocated his family to multiple cities in the midwest. During those moves Bud volunteered at schools, baseball, softball and hockey leagues. Bud was happiest working in his garden or watching his children and grandchildren play any sport. It gave him great joy.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Walker, 58 years of marriage, sister Mimi (Michele) Smith of Auburn, Alabama, children Lisa (Rob) Harrel, Lynn Walker, Mike (Kim) Walker, Katie (Steve) Watson and 10 grandchildren, Liz (Dave) Ulm, Joe (Lora) Martinson, Nick Harrel, Abby Martinson, Thomas Walker, Daniel Walker, Bradley Walker, Ben Watson, Megan Watson and Nieces Sarah Smith and Sophie Parkin (Andrew).

Along with his overall passion for sports, he was a Board Member for the Chanhassen Redbirds community baseball team.  He loved watching the Redbirds who have been very successful the last three years. He was also a member of the Chanhassen Lions and was able to donate his corneas to the Lions Eye Bank.  

He was a silent and keen observer of events. He was the first to congratulate his grandkids on their accomplishments and had high expectations of each of them. Bud loved each of his children and grandchildren and gave them everything he had.  He loved Carol to the ends of the earth. Carol loved him even more and cared for him better than any nurse or doctor could over the past several years.

He had a sweet tooth that got him into a little bit of trouble now and then.  He could never pass up boston cream pie, peanut butter balls, a snickers bar or a good bowl of ice cream!  His children have been known to smuggle these items to him when he was in a pinch!  

Football injuries and complicating factors from previous infections were ultimately what took him from us too soon. Over the years Bud made so many friends that impacted his life. We know he felt lucky to know all of you! Our family would like to thank each of you for being a part of his life.

If desired, memorials to Chanhassen Lions.