Kenneth Thomas Walker

Kenneth Thomas Walker, age 87, died in Houston, Texas on December 27, 2023. He attended St. James Catholic School and Church. He graduated in 1954 from Thomas Jefferson High School. Kenneth enlisted in the Texas National Guard at 18 years of age and served 5 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Vera Walker, in 1956 and they lived in Port Arthur and Groves for 70 years. He completed training as an electrician at Gulf Oil where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 1990. Kenneth volunteered to serve at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church as a catechism teacher, a repairman for any issue, and served on the parish council. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered his services through the Groves chapter #3491. He earned the highest degree of the Order and served as a Fourth-Degree Knight. Kenneth loved nothing better than a good game of poker. He enjoyed playing at the local KC Hall, with neighbors and friends as an older man, and with his own sons and grandsons.

Once children came along, Kenneth began his role as Scoutmaster and served Troop 90 for many years. He and his wife particularly enjoyed entertaining friends and family at their home on Lake Blue Hole. They welcomed their children’s friends and the home was noted as the place to “hang out.” It was the place for family reunions. Kenneth was always found either grilling food or pushing youths off of the raft and was most often crowned “king of the raft.”

Kenneth and Carolyn moved to Houston in 2008 to help Carolyn and children better care for him as his health declined. He continued to participate in the Knights of Columbus at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish as a 3rd degree Knight. Kenneth was well known at Mass and many parishioners enjoyed his company and sarcastic wit.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Irven Joseph Walker, Sr. and Emelie Provost Walker as well as his brothers Irven Jr. and Byron, sister-in-law Gayle Guidry Walker, and brother-in-law Richard Cole. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn Vera Walker, his six children and their spouses (Bradley and Kim Walker, Keith and Cindy Walker, Kirk and Lorrie Walker, Belinda and Greg Roccaforte, Brett and Wendi Walker, and Troy and Lisa Walker), 12 grandchildren and spouses (Megan and Daniel Doll, Corey DeRutte, Sarah Smith, Thomas Roccaforte, Zachary and Zoe Roccaforte, Jennifer DuPlessis, Mackenzie and Tanner Bailey, Morgan and Enrique Gonzalez, Madison and David Detz, Marek Walker, Alec and Kelsey Walker, and Alyse Walker), 11 great grandchildren (Houston, Hallie, and Camille DuPlessis, Walker and Wylder Bailey, Harrison Gonzalez, Evelyn and David “Tripp” Detz, Amma and Henry Walker, and May Roccaforte) and four siblings and their spouses (Diann Cole, Lowell and Sheila Walker, Gregory and Tenna Walker, Bernadette and John Cascio, Delia Walker and Janet Walker).

Services will begin on January 2nd with the Visitation and Rosary from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home, 4841 39th Street Port Arthur, Texas. The Rosary will take place at 6:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 am Wednesday morning, January 3rd, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 4100 Lincoln Ave, Groves, Texas. The graveside service will follow directly at Greenlawn Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Kenneth’s name to the Emelie and Irven Walker Scholarship Fund for St. Catherine’s Catholic School (parish office 409-962-5715) or to each person’s charity of choice.