Mark W. Walker, 66, of Ottawa, Kansas passed away Friday, January 3, 2025, at Advent Health in Ottawa with his beloved wife by his side.
Mark, the son of Harlow D. Walker and Mildred E. (Pearson) Walker, was born on January 14, 1958, in Ottawa, Kansas. He was a lifelong Ottawa resident, graduating with honors from the 1976 class of Ottawa High School.
On November 3, 1978, Mark was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Melaina J. Perry in Ottawa. They shared forty-six years of marriage and more than 51 years of love together.
After graduation, Mark began working for Rule & Shrum Construction until 1990 when he became a foreman and project supervisor with Killough Construction until his retirement in January 2019.
He was actively involved in civic organizations, serving as Vice President (1984 & 1985) and President of the Ottawa Jaycees (1986). Mark was a very active participant in the Ottawa Jaycees 4th of July fireworks show and took great pride in providing the community with many memorable firework displays over his years of volunteering. He was also a member of the Ottawa Elks Lodge for many years, eventually serving as trustee.
Mark was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and camping. He was a very talented carpenter who took pride in designing and building his and Melaina’s dream home in 1992. As a young man, Mark loved playing baseball both as a pitcher and second baseman. As he grew older he transitioned to both men’s and co-ed softball which he played for many years. He and Melaina loved to travel, visiting most of the continental United States and enjoying several trips to the Caribbean. Most of all Mark cherished his family, extended family, and bonus family. He never missed an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen. He was especially proud of his sons and granddaughters. Many will recall some of his famous phrases: “who’s the best?”, “I am the mother hen”, and “this makes my heart happy.”
Mark is survived by his wife, Melaina Walker, Ottawa; two sons, Adam W. Walker and his wife, Kate, Fayetteville, AR, Kyle J. Walker, Pomona, KS; two granddaughters, Arianna Walker and Keira Walker both of Fayetteville, AR; three siblings Pam Schulz and her husband, Bob, Ottawa; Sam Walker and his wife, Angie, Ottawa; Nancy King and her husband Terry, Emporia, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great-nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, and a sister-in-law.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 10, 2025 at First Baptist Church, Ottawa, KS. Interment will be at a later date. The family will greet friends for a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Ottawa. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Lung Association and sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home; P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com
