Joseph "Joe" Thomas Walker

Joseph Thomas Walker passed away February 16, 2026 leaving behind a legacy defined by devotion, discipline, and strength. Born in La Grange, Georgia, Joseph moved at a young age to Gardena, California, where he spent most of his early years. He graduated in 1966 from Redondo Union High School, where he excelled in athletics, earning numerous awards in pole vaulting throughout high school and into his early military career. He went on to study history at El Camino College and California State University, Northridge. As a young man, Joseph worked as a stable boy, tending to horses — a responsibility that reflected the work ethic and love of animals that would stay with him his entire life. On a senior ditch day trip to Santa Catalina Island, Joseph met the love of his life, Mary Ann Eby. After two years of dating, they were married on March 6, 1968, in Redondo Beach, California. Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Army Special Forces, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7). His military career was his life’s work. His service took him across the country and around the world, including assignments beginning in Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and later postings in Germany and Italy. While recruiting for the Army, he spent time in Oklahoma, eventually returning to North Carolina and later Nevada before settling permanently in Bartlesville, Oklahoma in 2005. Outside of his military career, Joseph was never afraid of hard work. Over the years, he worked in several roles, including as an over-the-road truck driver and a meat cutter in Southern California. No matter the role, he approached it with dedication and pride. Joseph’s greatest passions centered on his family and his animals — especially his cats. He was a skilled woodworker, found satisfaction in heavy lifting and working in the garden, and showed love through his cooking and the steady care he gave to those around him. He was a provider in every sense of the word — dependable, strong, and quietly selfless. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Walker; his daughters, Valerie (Ronnie) Riley and Heather (James) Treanor; his grandchildren, Joshua (Cammi), Miranda (Hayden), Jacob (Sammantha), and Liz; and many cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Valerie Snider and William Walker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph T. Walker and Frances Cass, and his baby sister, Marie Walker.

Joseph "Joe" Thomas Walker

September 23, 1947 - February 16, 2026