Thomas Walker

Sep 3, 1938 -

Jan 3, 2024

Thomas Stanford Walker, known to his loved ones as Tom, Tommy and Papa, passed away peacefully on Jan. 3, 2024, at the age of 85, at Mat-Su Regional Hospital in Palmer, Alaska. He was born on Sept. 3, 1938, in Somerset, Pa., to the late Ruth Stanford Walker and Clair Charles Walker. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and older siblings, Clair Walker, Gerald Walker and Doris J. Moody.

Tom began his working life at Thomas Lumber Yard in Orlando, Fla, and went on to work at Hubbard Construction Company. He then joined TWA, where he played an important role in the Saturn and Apollo shots at Cape Canaveral. Tom moved to Alaska and became a member of Alaska Teamsters 959. He was one of the first Teamsters 959 called out to start construction on the Alaska pipeline in Prudhoe Bay. He worked in construction and drove as an expeditor from the start of the Alaska pipeline to the finish in Valdez. Later, he worked for and retired from Mammoth of Alaska in Anchorage, Alaska.

When not working, Tom enjoyed his hobbies, which included fishing for king salmon in Alaska and wide-mouthed bass in Florida. He also took pleasure in walking two miles every day, talking with people and volunteering at both Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, Fla., and New Hope Compassionate Ministries in Anchorage.

Tom will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of many years, Nancy B. Walker; children, Tommy W. Walker (Connie) and Nancy J. Kinney; and son-in-law, Kris Kinney. He will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Gerad (Liz) Walker, Justen (Amanda) Walker, Janelle (Michael) Fernandez and Kelby (Arjane) Kinney; as well as his great-grandchildren, Mari, Nico, Avery Mae, Payten, Libby, Corbin, Jack, Austen, John, Vivienne, Nate, Remy, Atticus and Tahvi. Tom also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Tom's life will be held on March 10, 2024, at 4 p.m., at Eagle River Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to New Hope Compassionate Ministries, 1220 E Street, Anchorage, AK 99501.