Kenneth “Kenny” Walker gave his final signal 7 on December 22, 2020 at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born on March 4,, 1929 in Runville, PA, grew up in Yarnell and was the last remaining member of the “Yarnell Gang”. He was the son of the late Taylor and Vivian (Brown) Walker. In August of 1950 he married the late Arletta (Davidson) Walker.
After a long career, Kenny retired from West Penn Power in 1988. In his retirement years he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, tinkering with his lawn mower and tractor collection, and doing electrical work. He was a self-taught musician and was rarely seen without a banjo, harmonica, or his prized guitar. If he wasn’t playing an instrument, Kenny was humming, whistling, singing, or writing songs. He often assembled with friends and family forming musical groups to play publically or for private gatherings.
In his youth Kenny was a member of the Yarnell Church. He loved working on his grandfather’s farm, could be seen on his motorcycle, and enjoyed playing baseball, often sharing the trick to his tar-fingered curveball. He went to school at the Yarnell Schoolhouse and graduated from Bellefonte High School in 1947. He loved being outdoors, frequently hunting on the Devil’s Elbow well into his twilight years. The “Elbow” was also where he took many trips to show his family members the Engine Rock and to pick elderberries for jelly. When his family was young, he enjoyed camping near Big Pine Creek and on the Water Rocks. At one time Kenny was part owner of a plane and enjoyed flying.
He was Methodist in faith and is survived by his five loving children, daughters Carmen Heverly (Gary) of Fleming, PA and Christine Peters (James) of Wingate, PA and sons Kenneth Jr. of Madsion, TN, Gregory Walker (Brenda) of Cresson, TX, and Jeffery Walker (Cheryl) of Milesburg. He is also survived by his sister Maxine Richner (Doyle) of Beech Creek, PA and was preceded in death by brothers Rodney Walker (Faye) of Pleasant Gap, PA, and Cameron Walker (Miriam) of Olean, NY.
Also surviving are grandchildren Amanda Weaver (Scott) of Pleasant Gap, PA, Gary Heverly Jr. (Danielle) of Milesburg, PA, Nicole Kyle (Jason) of Midlothian, TX, Jenna Bair (Matt) of Bellefonte, PA, Julie Walker-Heard of Midlothian, TX, Gregory Walker of Dallas, TX, James Peters (Jessica) of Milesburg, PA, Heather Walker of Milesburg, PA, Kenneth Walker III (Victoria) of Portland, TN, Ashley Kellander (Nick) of Snow Shoe, PA, Jacob Peters (Haley) of Julian, PA, and Kyle Walker (Stephanie) of Paris, KY. Kenny also has 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
The family would like to thank 365 Hospice Care for their kindness and treatment of Kenny through his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Artletta and Kenneth Walker Memorial Scholarship at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI), 540 North Harrison Rd, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 or Helping Other People Excel, 253 Sycamore Lane, Julian PA, 16844.
A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 201 Spring St., Milesburg.
Online condolences may be made at www.deankwetzlerfuneralhome.com.