John Sanders Walker, age 76, of Colman South Dakota, passed away after a short illness on July 30, 2022.
John was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to John and Leona Walker. John’s education began in the St. Louis school system where he excelled in football, stagecraft, junior achievement, and journalism, graduating in 1964. He then earned a bachelor of science degree in biology, followed by an education degree at South Dakota State University.
In 2011, he completed a master’s of arts in history at University of South Dakota.
John enlisted in the Navy as a Radioman on active duty serving on the USS Sellers. John was honorably discharged from active duty in 1970, but continued in the reserves, retiring as a chief petty officer in 1998. In 1974 he met his sweetheart, Patricia, in St. Louis, and in 1975 they were sealed in the Manti, Utah, temple.
He began his teaching career at Lake Preston High School, followed by Flandreau Indian School. He taught and inspired many students for 25 years until retirement, yet still continued to teach social studies at Rutland.
He proved himself to be a wonderful and dedicated father and friend. He always had time to answer a question, solve a problem, or share a fun fact.
Hobbies included St. Louis Cardinals baseball, amateur radio, politics, reading, weather spotting and family history. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving John are his wife, Patricia of 47 years; three children: George (Nichole) Walker of Sioux Falls, Tonya Kabris of Brookings, Cathy (Darius) Garvin of Florida, two grandchildren, Claudia Hovelson of Brookings and Isaac Walker of Sioux Falls; siblings Mark (Gisèle) of St. Louis, David (Dawn) Walker of Las Vegas, and Jeff and Anne Walker, both of St. Louis. John is also survived by many special friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Annelore Karina and parents, John Frederick and Leona Marie Sanders Walker.
Visitation for John will be at 10 a.m.Friday, Aug. 5, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Brookings followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. with Bishop Donald Burger presiding. Following will be a light lunch. Veteran honors and internment will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Fremont Township, Moody County. Eidsness Funeral Home of Brookings is handling the arrangements.
