Edward "Eddie" Walker

 Edward “Eddie” Irvin Walker, 95, of Missoula, passed away on Sunday February 16, 2025 at his home of natural causes.

He was born September 3, 1929, in Rudyard Montana to Irvin and Christina (Schneible) Walker. He lived on the family farm north of Hingham with his 6 brothers and sisters. He loved to tell tales of hunting and fishing from when he was a child. Some of his favorite stories were when his brother was sprayed by a skunk and when he hunted a rabbit and broke his gun. The family house had a fire which destroyed their home when he was 6 years old. 

He attended school in a single room school house which had a pot belly stove for heat, and the kids would have to gather around during the cold winters. Although, Eddie did not like school, he was smart and learned many life skills. He graduated from the high school in Havre in 1949. 

After graduation, Eddie worked for Bear Paw Motors in Havre as a mechanic for 5 years. He had a natural ability and was able to fix almost anything. 

In 1950, he met his soulmate and soon to be wife, JoAnn (Lamoreux) Walker. After a short courtship, they fell in love and were married on October 14, 1950 at the Assembly of God Church in Missoula. They welcomed their daughter Kathy in 1952. Shortly thereafter they moved to Missoula in 1953.

He was a mechanic for Massey Harris (farm equipment) but later went to work for his father-in-law at the Flower Pot Greenhouse. He had a talent for arranging flowers so they always looked nice and professional. In 1954, their first son, Dale joined the family. 

In 1965, Eddie started working for Vern Jakkola Construction building residential housing and that same year their second son, Brian joined their growing family. He continued to work for Vern for 4 years. 

In 1969, Eddie started his own residential contractor business, Walker Construction. He was known for building high quality residential homes throughout Missoula. 

Their third son, Stacy joined the now complete Walker family in 1969. 

Eddie enjoyed fishing, hunting, fixing things, visiting with friends and relatives and especially gardening where he would grow his famous tomatoes and gladiolus. He would often strike up a conversation with anyone and always had a smile on his face. He loved to play practical jokes and laugh. 

In October 2024, Eddie and JoAnn celebrated their 74th anniversary together. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and making them laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christina and Irvin Walker, his three sisters (Margaret Huestis, Mildred English, Dorothy Butcher), and his two brothers (Elmer Walker, Clyde Walker).

He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn Lamoreux Walker and his sister Vyonne Moser. He is also survived by his four children, Kathy (Mike) Whitman, Dale (Bobbi) Walker, Brian (Joni) Walker, Stacy (Alicia) Walker and his 8 grandchildren, Kim Whitman, Karie (Whitman) Wilson, Todd Whitman, Destry Walker, Emory Walker, Will Walker, Harry Walker, Moira Walker and 4 great-grandchildren.

 Funeral Services will be held on April 26th at 1:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church in Missoula.