Melba Lee Walker, age 94 of San Angelo passed away Monday, July 2 at the Regency House in San Angelo. She was born August 2, 1923 on the family farm near Norton, Texas the daughter of Arthur Lee and Winnie Ruth Caswell Condra. She graduated from the Norton School in 1941, often riding a horse to school.
After graduation she and her roommate went to Ballinger to work. There they met Walter O. Walker and his roommate. The two couples celebrated a double wedding on March 4, 1944 and remained friends for 70 years.
After World War II, the Walkers lived in Burkett, Texas where they operated a café. They later lived in Ballinger and finally settled in San Angelo. They were active members of the Baptist Temple where Mrs. Walker taught Sunday school. She was active in the PTA at Goliad Elementary and in the Police Wives Auxiliary.
Melba was retired from the “M” System food stores as a General Merchandise manager. After retirement she enjoyed playing dominoes and meeting and traveling with the L. L. L. group. Cooking and food production was her specialties. The family enjoyed her beautiful jams, jellies, pickles and relishes. She was also a gifted seamstress and tailored many of the family’s clothes.
Melba was preceded in death by her husband Walter of 47 years, her parents and brothers L. C., Valton, and Joe Condra. She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Walker Pickett of Wylie, Texas, granddaughters Hannah and Hillary of Wylie, sisters-in-law Annie Merle Trent of Coleman and Addie Walker of Cisco. Twenty two nieces and nephews also survive.
Visitation will be held from 6 – 8 PM on Thursday with funeral services to be held at 10:30 AM Friday in the Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 PM in the Burkett Cemetery.
Memorials are requested to be made to the American Cancer Society.
