Lon Walker

Lon William Walker, 83, died Thursday (October 31, 2019) at the Kansas Christian Home.

He was born on January 26, 1936 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the son of Ralph William and Marion Christina Travis Walker. The family later moved to Wichita where he grew up in what is now the Delano District where he and his brothers roamed the neighborhood. After graduating Wichita West High School, he served a short time in the U.S. Army.

Lon married Janice Kerns on February 13, 1958 in Wichita, Ks. She died on August 13, 1985. He later married Barbara J. Weesner Schirer on August 1, 1986 in McPherson, Kansas.

From May 13, 1963 to Oct 3, 1997, Lon Walker served his community first as a surveyor and working his way up to Director of Public Works and interim City Manager.  He worked hard for the betterment of the community even when change isn’t popular.  He was very involved in the original bike path plans, which was very controversial but today is beloved.  He supported remodeling of the municipal pool, the moving of city hall to its current location, and in the beginnings of the outlet mall.

Lon loved to travel, driving to the tulip festival in Iowa, through Colorado and Utah.  He and Barb searched through many states for covered bridges and were quite happy behind a camera.  The two wintered in Port Aransas Texas for over a decade.  Lon was a good story teller, and though they were repeats, laughter always followed. Lon and Barb enjoyed the bleachers of many a gym, watching a grandson play basketball from kindergarten through college.

He was a longtime member of the Newton Masonic Lodge, Midian Shrine in Wichita, Harvey County Shrine Club, Harvey County Hobos, and was a mentor to his grandson who would join the Masonic Lodge. Lon was also a member of the American Legion and Son’s of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife Barbara of the home in Newton; sons Brian Walker and wife Barbara of North Newton and Mike Walker and wife Terri of Goessel, Ks.; step-children Teresa and Kevin Jones of Shawnee, Ks., Mike and Dorcas Schirer of Farmington, N.M., Tony and Julie Schirer of Cheyenne, Wy., and Angela and Kevin Feleay of Topeka, Ks.; brothers Larry Edgar Walker of Udall, Ks., and Steve Leonard Walker of Longmont, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Along with his first wife, Janice, Lon is preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services and interment will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday (November 6, 2019) at the Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M., where the family will receive friends between 6:30 P.M. and 8:30 P.M.

A memorial has been established with the Shriner’s Children Hospital, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 East Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton, Ks.