Julian Walker

Julian Walker was born on September 3, 1919, son of George Washington and Mary Frances Walker of Conroe, Texas. Julian grew up on a dairy farm and learned many life lessons while helping with the chores of milking cows and farming. After graduating from high school in Edinburg, Texas, Julian attended and played football at Texas A&M University, Allen Military Academy, and Sam Houston State University. Julian joined the Navy in 1942 to serve his country in WWII. He was a torpedo bomber pilot on the USS Wasp and piloted many successful missions in the Pacific. He was awarded various medals for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. At the conclusion of the war, Julian returned home and worked in a surveying crew and became interested in geology. He then went on to attend the University of Texas and obtained a degree in geology. Julian went to work for Marathon Oil Company and worked in various locations, including Roswell, New Mexico. It is there where he met the love of his life, Carole June Whitehurst. They married in 1955 and had three children, Julie Lyn, Stephen Paul, and Stacey Carole. Julian and his family resided for many years in Houston, Texas. His last work location was in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he retired with his wife Carole. During retirement, Julian and Carole travelled to many locations in the U.S. to attend Naval reunions. Julian was also able to spend more time enjoying his favorite past times -- playing golf, fishing, hunting, and spending time family and friends. Several years after Carole passed away, Julian moved back to Houston, Texas to live with his son, Stephen and daughter-in-law Rita. Julian’s love of sports continued, as he supported the UT Longhorns, the SHSU Bearkats, and his favorite NFL teams. Julian loved people and greeted everyone with a smile. All who knew him would say he was one of the kindest persons they know. In his later years, one of his favorite ways to enjoy life was sitting outside in the sunshine and listening to birds. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, and someone who cherished his family and friends, and his country.

Julian was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Orbry, Leon, Hershel, G.W., and his sister Gearldine Sowell, and his wife Carole. Survivors include his brother Donald Walker and wife Maxine, his children, Julie Smith and husband David, Stephen Walker and wife Rita, and Stacey Walker and partner Sally Ulman, grandchildren, David and Tonya Smith, and Steve, Daniel, and Mark Hansberger, and great grandchildren Kaden Smith and Gage and Stella Hansberger.

Visitation for Julian is scheduled for Friday October 2, 2015 from 5 to 8 pm at Metcalf Funeral Directors. The funeral service will be held Saturday October 3, 2015 at 11 am in the Metcalf Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at County Line Cemetery. Those serving as pallbearers are Stephan Walker, Jude Walker, Craig Walker, Darryl Martin, Daniel Hansberger, Martin Eastham, David Smith, and Ronnie Emanuel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.