Walker, Jerry

Jerry C. Walker, 67, of Portales, died Saturday, May 15, 2004, at Methodist Hospital Baylor Debakey Heart Center in Houston.

He was born on Feb. 2, 1937, in Fort Sumner, to Mary Ella and George E. Walker.

He grew up near Taiban. He graduated from Portales High School in 1955. He served briefly in the Air Force before returning to Portales to attend Eastern New Mexico University. He married Melveta Baker, on Nov. 26, 1958. He earned a bachelor degree in agriculture and science, and later earned a teaching certificate. He taught for a year in Claude, Texas.

In 1964, he and his wife moved to the Navajo Reservation where he taught for nine years. He spent another nine years as the Administrator of Special Education for 13 schools. At that time he moved to Teec Nos Pos Boarding School where he was the Superintendent and Principal for seven years. In 1988, he retired and returned to Portales. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Family members said he was a devoted family man and especially enjoyed his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Billy Wayne Walker.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Billy Whitethorne of Shonto, Ariz., Baje Whitethorne of Flagstaff, Ariz., Edward Whitethorne of Tuba City, Ariz. and Hank Whitethorne of Kayenta, Ariz.; two daughters, Koetta Carrell (John) of Abilene, Texas and Michala Ruechel (Joel) of Holbrook, Ariz; 20 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Nell Overturf of Roy, Wash., Jo Manis of Dora and Pat Bryant of Clovis.

The Rev. Walter Huber and Floyd McAlister will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Portales Cemetery.

Pallbearers are John, Shawn, Derrick and Clayton Carrell and Joel and Jacob Ruechel.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.