Jack Ellsworth Walker (LTC, U.S. Army, Retired), 91, of Leavenworth, KS passed away on December 31, 2025, in Olathe, KS. He was born on February 18, 1934, in Baltimore, MD to John E. Walker and Mildred E. Walker (Hardwick) both of whom predeceased him. He grew up and attended school in Baltimore culminating in his graduation from The Johns Hopkins University. While attending university he played football, lacrosse and enlisted in the US Army Reserve. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the Regular Army as a second lieutenant in the Armor Branch. Prior to reporting for his first duty assignment, Jack married the love of his life, Doris I. Martin on 22 June 1957 in Baltimore, MD.
Jack had a distinguished military career that included assignments at Fort Knox, KY; Fort Hood, TX; Germany; Baltimore, MD; The Pentagon; Fort Leavenworth, KS; Korea and Vietnam. His service in Vietnam included combat action during the Tet Offensive where he was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Badge.
In 1985 he became the Deputy to the Garrison Commander of Fort Leavenworth, a post he held for thirty-three years until his retirement in 2019 with 62 years of federal service. Jack loved the military and supporting soldiers and their families. He fulfilled his dream of serving his country. Needing to keep his mind active following Doris’ death and his retirement, he enrolled in school to complete a second master's degree which was awarded at the age of 88.
When asked what he was going to do next his typical reply would be "I'm going to medical school which I can complete by the time I am 102. Then I’ll hang out my shingle that will say Dr. Walker, Experienced in Gerontology".
Those who knew him well also knew that he was involved in almost everything in the Leavenworth community. Leavenworth City Planning Commission for 20 years; Director, Citizens Savings and Loan FSB for 30 Years; Director, Armed Forces Insurance; Director, St. John and Providence Hospitals; Director, Leadership Leavenworth/Lansing; Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs; American Red Cross; Carillon Committee, Leavenworth National Cemetery; Leavenworth Lions Club; OBs of Fort Leavenworth; Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Legion; Disabled American Veterans; Military Society of the Purple Heart; and the Henry Leavenworth Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
The Boy Scouts of America’s Heart of America Council recognized Jack with their highest honor for adult scout volunteers – the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. He was a lifelong member of the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge No. 116 of Towson, MD. In 1996 he was recognized as the Leavenworth Citizen of The Year. When not working or engaged in community activities he enjoyed golf, honing his marksman skills, backpacking, camping and he was an avid reader. Jack joins his wife, Doris Martin Walker at his heavenly home. He is survived by three children: Jack E., Jr. (Theresa) of Katy, TX; Kathryn Walker West (Oliver I., Deceased)of Leavenworth; Kevin M. Walker (Renee) of Lenexa, KS. He was the loving “Pop Pop”of four grandchildren – Jenaé Walker Templeman (Brock), Justin, Brooks, Brady Walker and two great-grandchildren Graham and Collins Templeman. He welcomed two special step-granddaughters, Angela West and Amber West into his life.
Jack was generous, honorable, a thoughtful mentor to countless individuals, a gentleman, and a great friend. He was a gracious servant, and his legacy will be felt in the Leavenworth area community for many years to come. He and Doris were role models for their family and to many in the community. The family would like to thank the Kansas University Medical Center teams, especially the ICU team in Unit 63. As was typical for dad, he made everyone around him feel special as he learned tidbits about each of the doctors, nurses, RT’s, aides, and housekeepers. Special appreciation is expressed to the Olathe Hospice House for – using Dad’s words - a serene setting for his comfort care.
Jack was a lifelong Methodist and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Leavenworth since 1970 where he served in various capacities. His great joy in recent years was working with the Samaritan’s Buffet team to prepare and serve meals on Saturday. He was known as the master dishwasher. Visitation will be at the church, from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7th. Services will be held at the church on Thursday, January 8th at 9:30 a.m. with burial to follow at 11 a.m. at the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. Following the burial, lunch will be served at the church, and all are welcome.
Arrangements are entrusted to Davis Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church of Leavenworth, 422 Chestnut St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, or the University of Kansas Health System Olathe Hospice House, 15310 S Marion St, Olathe, KS 66061.
