John Elvin Walker Sr.(Johnny), 81, of Leavenworth, Kansas, transitioned to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Born in Leavenworth on October 17, 1943, Johnny was the son of Richard Henry Walker and Lucy Kathryn Williams Mock (Charles). He grew up surrounded by love and laughter in a large family of ten siblings.
Johnny attended the Leavenworth Public School District and began working at a young age. From throwing newspapers for The Leavenworth Times before and after school, cleaning the Hollywood Theater and walking across the street to the Rexall Drug Store to deliver medicine after school.
Johnny married the love of his life, Mildred Armetha Gooch, on October 17, 1964. Their 61 year bond was strong and enduring. Together, they raised four beautiful children: John Elvin Walker Jr., Angela LaNette Walker, Brett Anthony Walker, and Gloria Jean Swanagan. Their family was the center of Johnny’s world.
In May 1963, Johnny joined the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, KS.
Johnny worked as a Journey Painter at Fort Leavenworth and all across the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, eventually launching his own painting and construction company in 1982. He and Mildred purchased and renovated numerous rental properties in Leavenworth and Lansing—mentoring family members along the way. Johnny remained active with his lawn care and cleaning business after retirement.
He was a beloved neighborhood watchman—always ready to clean up limbs or trash left behind, often with his trusted helper James Cordt. He never met a stranger and had a heart for helping others.
John was a devoted member of Saint James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church since 1967. True to form, Johnny was still working for the Lord until his last breath.
He was preceded in death by his children John Jr., Angela, and Brett; his parents; his in-laws, and siblings.
He is survived by his loving wife Mildred; daughter-in-law Jessica Walker; daughter Gloria Swanagan (Mark); siblings Lucy Walker, Lillie Mock, and Chara Lorrance (Steve); five grandchildren: Anthony Walker (Chynna), Ilani Baker (Josh), Alexis Sanford (Asa), Marcellus Smith, and Pawpaw and Nana’s big baby, Angela Walker; two great-grandchildren: Ace Goodman and Baylee Baker; Godchildren Deon Smith and Bryson Smith-Richardson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones, with special recognition to niece Paula Cathey and great-niece Irysha Walker.
Johnny Walker was a man of deep faith, quiet strength, and endless generosity. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Funeral service will be held at Sunflower Missionary Baptist church, Hyman Jarrett Community Center, 1708 5th Ave. Leavenworth, KS 66048 on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 11 A.M. Burial will held at Sunset Memory Gardens.
