Ira Wilford Walker

Ira W. Walker passed away peacefully on Sept 23, 2014 at age 91. A native of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and a resident of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas since 1988, he was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Walker of Poplar Bluff and by Deloris, his wife of 56 years. He is survived by his son Robert, his grandson Robert Jr., and his daughter in law Lili who reside in Northern California.

Ira was the first member of his family to graduate from college, a process that was interrupted when he and his best friend hitchhiked to St. Louis to join the Navy during World War II. Immediately after his honorable discharge in 1946, Ira started his business career at AT&T. He met his future wife on a blind date shortly thereafter and married Deloris Black in 1949 in Poplar Bluff. A move to Dallas followed in 1951, where he helped manage the installation of the AT&T transcontinental coax cable that transmitted the first live television broadcasts from New York to the west coast while he completed his Bachelor’s Degree at SMU in 1953.

He joined Motorola in 1960 and advanced through a series of sales and management positions, eventually retiring in 1986 as a Senior Corporate Vice President. Three years later, he and Deloris moved from Barrington Hills, Illinois to Hot Springs Village, where they enjoyed bridge, golf, swimming and teaching their grandson to ski on Lake Balboa. He was an active member of Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church and the Rotary Club of Hot Springs Village.

Ira will be remembered by his friends who shared time with him in the business world, on the golf course, fishing boat, hunting trip or around a bridge table. He will always be remembered by his family, who treasured their time with him and learned from his can-do attitude, his zest for life and his belief that the most important things in life are achieved through hard work.

The family would like to thank Deanna, Dave, Simona and Leilani for the compassionate care and friendship they provided for “Pappy” during the last three and one half years. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the YMCA, Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas or the church or charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home.