RET SFC Stanley Merritt Walker

Stanley was born in Chicago, Illinois on 29 August 1957. He joined the United States Army on 14 November 1977 serving 20 years around the world before retiring as Sergeant First Class. He was a brave warrior serving in Desert Storm and Bosnia. He was often called by his nickname “Airborne.” Even in sickness, he would greet family, friends, and medical staff with a heartfelt "Airborne,” waiting to see if they knew the correct response "All the Way. ". Stanley loved his country and enjoyed marching and riding in local patriotic parades representing the military he loved so dearly. While in the military, he earned his PhD in religious counseling. He would find his education useful in careers where he worked to help others. After his military retirement, he had a second career in law-enforcement. He medically retired after serving as the chief criminal investigator at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama in 2013.

Stanley had many interests that he enjoyed during his lifetime. He was involved in military organizations such as 82nd Airborne Vulcan Chapter of North Alabama; 101st Airborne Association of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; American Legion Post 229 of Madison, Alabama; and the 555th Airborne Association of South Florida. He was a member of the Paul Revere Masonic Lodge of Massachusetts. He loved antiquing, flea marketing, military history collecting, Alabama football, building dollhouses to give away, and collecting model trains. He found great fellowship meeting new veterans and enjoying conversation with them. His favorite hobby was savoring good food.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Merritt Walker, and his brother Phillip Walker. He is survived by his wife Leticia Walker and sons Joshua Walker and Robert Quintero all of Los Angeles, California, and his sisters, Pamela Jacobs and Katherine Walker, nephews Philip Walker and Quentin Walker, and niece Janae Howard, all of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his longtime companion Kim Sumpter and her son Frank Sumpter both of Madison, Alabama. In addition, he leaves behind a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday 29 December 2021 at Valhalla Funeral Home at 698 Winchester Rd. NE, Huntsville, AL from noon until 2 PM. Military Graveside Honors will follow at 2 PM at the Garden of Valor. This is open to all family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Huntsville Animal Services Foundation of Huntsville, Alabama. Stanley’s beloved shepherd, Trooper, was adopted from there.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Walker family.