Lyle John Walker

Born January 30, 1947, to Lyle P. and Betty Walker. Older sibling to Don Walker and Joyce White. He was a lifelong resident of Ralston, Nebraska, and known throughout his childhood for his athletic abilities, humor, and hard-working nature. Lyle grew up playing baseball, football, and basketball. He was a part of the 1964 NE State Champion High School Basketball team, and even pursued athletics into his college years.

In 1970 he earned an associate degree in Electronics, followed by a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the Navy. There he worked as a flight instructor for Vietnam pilots in Kingsville, TX, until his honorable discharge in 1975. That same year he met Sally at his high school reunion in Nebraska and they were engaged one week later. Lyle and Sally married on September 13, 1975, also becoming a dad to the oldest daughter, Dori. The Walker family settled back in Ralston, mere blocks from Lyle’s childhood home. Middle daughter Barbara followed in 1978, and youngest daughter, Deborah in 1980.

Always enamored with his Scottish heritage, Lyle took up the bagpipes in 1981. He spent over forty years honing his craft, centering much of their family life around Scottish and Irish culture, even passing along his love of piping to two of his grandsons. His last visit to Scotland included his wife, all three daughters, both sons-in-law, and his oldest grandson.

He is survived by his wife, Sally, of 48 years; his daughters and sons-in-law: Dori Walker, Barb and Brian Shapiro, and Deb and Jeremy Hayden; eight grandchildren: Jacob, Nathan, Megan, Ryan, Tyler, Maddux, Lily, and MaKenna; and three nephews: Kyle and Matthew White, and Alex Walker.