A memorial service honoring Monte Walker, under the direction of Chapel of Hope Funeral Home was held Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Taylor Memorial Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. with Dale Shook officiating.

Monte R. Walker was born March 20, 1931 to W. E. "Slick" Walker and Mary G. "Cricket" Walker in Carbon, Eastland County, Texas.  God called him home o n January 14, 2012 at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas after suffering severe heart attacks.

The youngest of three children, Monte, at an early age, had much time to play alone and develop a great imagination and a gift of gab that never left him.  He started school in Carbon, Texas at the legal age of five and graduated at 16.  He moved to San Antonio to attend St. Mary's University for two years.  He came to Eunice, New Mexico to visit a friend but in turn found a job with an oil field supply company.  While in Eunice he met an married Janice Alexander on June 8, 1951 and remained married to her for sixth years.  The union blessed them with two children:  Steven R. Walker and Tawny J. Walker Traver.  He had a love for all his family and the three granddaughters and two great-grandsons.

Monte was no stranger to work.  His career covered many jobs:  twenty years as a barber in Odessa and Midland, Texas; fiften years in the oilfield with Land & Marine-Tesoro Petroleum as a district manager, five years as a real estate broker for Monty Newman and sixteen years as a bus driver for for B&G Transportation, as a school bus and long distance driver.  He loves the kids and the kids returned his love.  He retired at the end of 2010.

Monte was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister, Ella G. Ussery, brother, Dale W. Walker and niece, Cindy Walker.

He is survived by his wife, Janice, son, Steve of Fair Oaks, California, Mindy Traver of Hobbs and Katie Walker of Fair Oaks, California and two great-grandsons Dylan R. Traver of Hobbs and Jerome G. Schwartzel of Fair Oaks, Californi.

Honorary Pall Bearers for Monte's service were:  Jerry Romine, Chock Romine, Jim McElroy, Don Lydick, Bobby Wallach, Mike Whitehead, Lary Arnold, Sam Spence, James Chenault, Monty Newman, Rusty Taylor, Doug Henecy and Wendal North.

The family thanks the firemen and EMTs from Fire Station No. 3 and the police officers who atended the call and saved Monte.  It was a miracle.  We would like to extend great thanks to Dr. S. Kankanala of Hobbs and the many doctors, nurses, staff and patient advocates of Lea Regional Hospital and Medical Center Hospital and Regency Medical Center in Odessa.