Allan Gordon Walker

Allan Gordon Walker was born on March 9, 1924. He was child number 5 out of 7 children born to Fred and Margaret (Vaughan) Walker. He grew up in the farming community of Barnard, South Dakota. Life on the farm was "hard work" In his last days, he skyped with his brother Dick, They reminisced about those days on the farm and shared fond memories.

Allan attended Barnard School. (He always bragged about Barnard school was the place for higher education.) Besides working on the farm, he drove a school bus, In 1942, he graduated and his ambition was "to be a coach". WWII put that ambition on hold and went to enlist, but his father needed his help on the farm, so he stayed on the farm. Two years later, he went to a dance in Frederick, SD and meet "the cutest Finlander" named Shirley Wanttie. On June 19, 1947, he married Shirley and moved to Sisseton, SD. There they had their 1st son, David Vaughan. Shortly afterwards, they moved to Bridgewater, SD.

In Bridgewater, he worked at a grain elevator. They added 2 daughters, Karin and Peggy. "We had nothing in those days, but those were the best years of our lives'

They made many lifelong friends, attended the First Presbyterian Church (He has asked his mother, "what is my religion?" She told him you're a Presbyterian", So that's when he became a Presbyterian,) made many trips back to Barnard and became a die hard Democrat.

The family next move was to Great Falls, Montana. There they all welcomed baby number 4, Mark. After about 4 years, they moved back to "God's Country"- South Dakota and settled in Sioux Falls.

Allan worked for GTA Feeds/ Harvest State. He traveled the world with "his Shirley". They picked up golf, raised the children, played a lot of bridge and active in the church. He even became a lay preacher and traveled to many small towns to preach. He always enjoyed having lots of company whether it was family or friends. The phone was "glued" to his ear as he "kept in touch " with everyone. The children grew up, married and soon he had a new focus. Spoiling grandchildren. After retirement, he reluctantly moved from his beloved South Dakota to Arizona because "Shirley Loved AZ" He Settled in and enjoyed golfing, playing bridge and church. His biggest enjoyment was having company. (After talking for hours on the phone, he'd say "Shirley Companys Coming") An added bonus to his retirement was the arrival of Great Grandchildren. He enjoyed rocking and spoiling those babies!

Unfortunately, "My Shirley" was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and he became her caregiver. He had to learn how to balance a checkbook, cook and take care of the house. Shirley passed away in October 2020. Five months later, he moved into an assisted living facility. It took awhile to adjust to life without Shirley. He kept up with Bible reading and daily devotion. He made a new friend, Eddy and they ate meals together, visited and shared stories. He joined a group of "his girls" and they enjoyed their "Fireside chats" everyday at 3:30 He especially enjoyed his South Dakota magazine and always wished he could go back.

On August 11, 2023, he passed away. He left behind his brother,- Richard (Dick) Walker; Daughter; Karin McClain and Peggy Meeks, Son Mark Walker. 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; David Vaughan and William (Bill), Sister: Isabel, Margaret (Peg) and Elizabeth (Sal), Son: David Vaughan: Grandson Andrew (Andy) McClain

"I'm a hundred years old, God's been good to me, I had the best wife, the best children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I couldn't have asked for more"

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