Glen Howard Walker

Funeral services for Glen Howard Walker, 82, Lawrence, will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home with the Rev. William Dulin officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Howard died Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at his home.

Howard was born February 6, 1931, Lawrence, KS, the eldest son of Glen Everett and Alice Jane Kizer Walker.

Howard graduated from Liberty Memorial (Central) High School, Lawrence, KS, in 1948. He went on to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army during the Korean War.

After leaving the Army, Howard began his career at Rumsey’s Funeral Home as a porter, and soon obtained his funeral directors license from the Kansas State Board of Funeral Directors. He retired from Rumsey-Yost Funeral home after 40 years of service. Howard was also a self-employed business man, who established his own janitorial and bartending service, Howard Walker and Sons.

Howard was a passionate leader of the community, fighting for civil rights in Lawrence and surrounding community. He was instrumental in the integration of the Lawrence education, social and athletic systems; ensuring that Blacks were allowed equal rights and privileges in education, team sports, homecoming court, and swimming pools. He served as president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, co-founded the West Lawrence Community Center and the Community Issues Forum, member of the Kansas Democratic Party, and as a member of the American Civil Liberties Union. His support of the community also included the United Fund, Senior Citizen’s Council, and East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN) and Ballard Center board of directors.

Howard had a passion for music and working with kids, and was a strong believer in youth development. He served as president of the Pinckney School Parent-Teacher Association, vice-president of Children’s Hour Day Care, Webelos leader for the Boy Scouts of America, and co-founder of Electa’s Daughters and Sons Masonic youth group. He also served as band manager of The Recitations, and coached the community basketball team, the Wolverines.

Howard was a devoted member of Calvary Church of God in Christ, and organized the annual Easter and Christmas baskets for the kids. He was also great outdoorsman; he loved to travel, hunt and was an avid sports enthusiast.

Howard also served as Past Master of Western Star Lodge No. 1. F. & A.M., Lawrence; was Past Worthy Patron in the Order of Eastern Star, Grand Chapter, Kansas Jurisdiction; Worthy Patron Siloam Chapter No. 10, Lawrence, Past Potentate Shrine Temple No. 29, Topeka; and was an Illustrious 33o member of the Kaw Valley Consistory No. 16, Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, June Wilma (Wilhoite); brother, Wesley Walker; and his daughter Delores E. Walker.

Howard is survived by his children, Glen H. Jr. (Kristen), Lawrence, Wilma Jean Walker, New Brunswick, NJ, John W. (Karen), Newburgh, IN, Wayne Allen (Lynn), Lawrence, Alice D. (Cedric) Walker-Flemming, Dallas, TX, Perry Walker, Lubbock, TX, Michael Lewis, Kansas City, MO; Lucy Mae Walker, Oklahoma City, OK; 16 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; two brothers, Donald (Doretha) Walker of Wichita, and Steven (Barbara) Walker of Lawrence; sister-in-law, Willa Wilhoite; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

There will be a Masonic service at 6 pm. Friday at the funeral home and the family will receive friends until 7:30.

The family suggests memorials to the Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center or Cosmopolitan International – River City Chapter, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.