WALKER, Earl Joseph "Joe" - b. July 9, 1937 - d. January 28, 2025

[patyrn]

Earl Joseph "Joe" Walker was born July 9, 1937 in Moline, Kansas to Damain and Frances Orien (Hill) Walker.  He passed away on January 28, 2025.

Joe spent his childhood surrounded by his siblings all the while assisting his father in caring for the fields of "The Farm".  He attended a one-room country school in Elk County, Kansas and often spoke about the charm of rural life and the warmth of family ties which profoundly shaped his formative years.  Joe proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy for four years beginning in 1955 stationed aboard the USS Intrepid which took him all over Europe.  In 1969, driven by determination and armed with a modest loan from his father, Joe took a bold step and opened the doors to his very first Pizza Shoppe in Shawnee, Kansas.  This small venture flourished, eventually moving across the street as Old Shawnee Pizza.  He later added Old Shawnee Pizza in Lenexa, Kansas.  He appreciated the many loyal and repeat customers through the years and had employed numerous high school students, some who still work there today.  Joe was a generous contributor to the community and to St. Joseph Catholic Church and supported many community services.

Joe married his beloved wife, Shirl in 1995, and they resided in Shawnee, Kansas for twenty years in a home they built in 1998.  Joe and Shirl traveled and spent their winter months in Arizona for 15 years.  They downsized and moved to Villas at Parkside when Joe eventually moved to a memory care facility.

Joe is survived by his wife of 30 years, Shirl; his brother, Billy Walker; sisters, Margie Dunn, Marlene Edgington, and Beth Llafet; daughters, Misty Rogers and Lisa (Matt) Brooks; son, William (Trish) Walker; four stepchildren, Kim (Tom) Nixon, Kristy (Mike) Ahrendt, Dee Beery, and Jim (Dana) Beery;  thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Phil Walker; sister, Loreta Ryan; daughter, Cindy Walker; and grandsons, Gregory and Justin Hines.

Services to honor Joe will be held at St. Joseph Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas on Saturday, February 15, 2025.  Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with Mass at 12:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.

(taken from the Charter Funerals website)