L.D. Walker, ag 78, of Ogallala, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at the Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado.
L.D. was born on January 26, 1942 in Ogallala, Nebraska to Dale E. and Dorothy Lee (Linn) Walker.
He graduated from Ogallala High School in 1960. then moved on to Nebraska State College of Chadron, Nebraska, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Business Administration.
While attending college, he meets his sweetheart, Sherri Yvonne Floyd, sweeping his young wife off her feed and into marriage on August 16, 1964 in Walsh, Colorado to live in Chadron. They enjoyed a close relationship raising two energetic boys over a 56 year marriage.
L.D. found great pride in his work and the relationships he cultivated through business and community leadership. Over his lifetime a handshake was his bond with others. He service in the USDA Forest Service as an Administrative Assistant in purchasing and contract administration. For over 34 years, L.D. was associated with John Deer, including 22 years where he owned multiple John Deere Dealerships from Gordon, Nebraska to Blackwell, Oklahoma, then back to his beloved hometown of Ogallala, Nebraska. In his later years, he kept busy by selling real estate. He also assisted with the design of multiple equipment attachments for both Orthman Manufacturing and Hesston.
L.D. servied in multiple committees and organizations over the years. In Ogallala alone, he served in the Methodist Church, City Council, Cemetery Board and Airport Authority.
He was also an avid reader of biographies, collected western art, and was a proud member of the Ogallala Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. He loved flying, becoming a licensed pilot and member of the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association, teaching his sons the basics of flying while Sherri learned to navigate and read the maps. As an enthusiastic goose hunter and gun collector, he introduced his boys into the sport at an early age. Additionally, over 30 years he owned and operated a sizeable cow herd. His wife and sons were right there by his side supporting L.D. through every adverture. L.D. was very proud of his family and its heritage. His great-grandfather came to Keith County, Nebraska in 1876 establishing a homestead south of Paxton and his great-uncle was the legendary Sheriff George Heiser.
L.D. was preceded in death by his parents.
L.D. is survived by his wife, Sherri of Ogallala; two sons Brent (Rebecca) Walker of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Dana (Grace-Ann) Walker of Kerrville, Texas; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; one sister Connie (Charles) Washa of Grant, Nebraska; one brother Marvin (Shione) Walker of Lincoln, Nebraska; one brother-in-law Darl (Pat) Floyd of Rolla, Kansas; and 8 nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. MT at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, Nebraska.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. MT on Monday, September 28, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church in Ogallala, Nebraska with Rev. Chuck Ragar officiating.
Masonic Graveside Rites will be by Ogallala Masonic Lodge 159 A.F.A.M.
Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the First United Methodist Church in Ogallala in his memory.
Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the Share a Memory or Tribute Wall button. Services will be live streamed from www.drauckerfh.com and methodistchurchogallala.com.
Due to Covid, overflow in addition to atten the service will be held at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel. Covid observations are still recommended and masks are recommended.