Ira Walker, Jr.

Ira Jerome Walker, Jr., “Sonny Boy,” began his life’s journey on November 19, 1932, in Austin, Texas, where he was born to Ira Jerome Walker, Sr. and Grace Dovella Wilson. He was the baby brother of three children and was doted upon by his two eldest sisters, Bessie Jo, and Cora Jean. Ira was so affectionately called “Sonny Boy” by his family and friends, and was lovingly recognized by most as, “Jerome.” During Jerome’s childhood, he discovered his great love for animals, especially dogs who traveled with him on his morning paper route. Throughout his life, he always had a four-legged faithful companion. Jerome befriended all animals everywhere. In February 1937, during the Great Depression, the family relocated to Denver, Colorado, in a car without heat, and a candle defroster on the dashboard. Upon arrival, Uncle Jesse gladly provided a new career opportunity and housing for his nephews’ family. During those times, the family home at 2145 Franklin Street was purchased for $1,000.00. Scott United Methodist Church laid the spiritual foundation for Jerome, and Mrs. Marjorie Morrison was his Sunday School Teacher. While not a member of a church, he subsequently nurtured his spirituality by watching biblical documentaries and reciting many Bible verses. Jerome attended Whitter Elementary and fondly remembers his first-grade teacher, Miss Anderson (Dr. Marie Greenwood today, 105 years young.) He attended Cole Junior High, and graduated from East High School in 1950. Jerome continued his vocational education and later enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 19. He served on the USS George K. MacKenzie 836 as a Machinist Mate during the Korean War. While in the military, Jerome was confronted with racism and discrimination which he rose above to remain steadfast honoring his commitment to serve his country. His Wonderful World Upon his returned to Denver, he married Yvonne “Vonnie” Rae Slaughter and to this union two children, Ginger Rae and Daryl Jerome Walker, were born. Jerome had to personally learn that a life could not be celebrated without experiencing unexpected death. This occurred with the loss of his beloved daughter, Ginger Rae, at the tender age of three and one-half years old, and three years later, his wife, Yvonne. Later, Jerome met and married, Evelyn “Boots” R. McDaniel. To this union, two daughters were born, Kim Nicol and Kristy Venoy. He was also a surrogate father to his nieces and nephews. He suffered yet another untimely death of his wife again. When Evelyn “Boots” passed, he faced the challenge of being a single parent. After raising his children into adulthood, on February 14, 1989, he married Ms. Paula Marie Evans. Into the union, Paula brought four children: Ken, Eric, Scott and Kathleen. The family was blended and created a loving family of seven children. Paula will fondly remember Jerome as honest and very loving with a great sense of humor. His unwavering love for family was demonstrated through commitment. He demonstrated a resolute work ethic with a 30+ year career with the United States Postal Service. After Jerome’s retirement in 1990, his wife Paula, his sisters and long-time friends enjoyed countless bus trips and cruises to various destinations. He loved his unforgettable annual family expeditions to his favorite international destination of Mexico. It’s All About Family Over the years, Jerome enjoyed fishing trips near and far as well as being a neighborhood mechanics’ mechanic (you bring it, we fix it) at Jimmy and Genevieve (Aunt “Bunnie”) Smith’s garage on Vine Street. In addition, Jerome was known as the family and friends, “Fix-it” man. He would fix ALL things broken and in need of repair. Jerome was precise enough to be correct (even if he didn’t always follow written instructions). As quiet as it may have seemed, broken things fueled his innumerable trips to the hardware store and he prided himself by owning every tool ever manufactured. Jerome loved social visits to family and friend’s homes; oftentimes with children in tow to play with their cousins while he talked, laughed and told stories with his “cigs” (Winston 100’s) always in hand. Jerome was preceded in death by his wives, Yvonne “Vonnie” Rae Slaughter-Walker, and Evelyn “Boots” R. McDaniel-Walker; his daughter, Ginger Rae Walker; his parents, Ira Jerome Walker, Sr. and Grace Dovella Walker; niece, Carol Reed, and other relatives. In 2009, Ira Jerome Walker, Jr. began his final battle with terminal cancer. On Friday, October 27, 2017 at 2:55 pm, Jerome was absent from the body and present in the Fathers’ house. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 28 years, Paula Marie Walker; his son, Daryl J. Walker; his daughters, Kim N. (Bishop Robert) Martin, Kristy V. (Desi Cortez) Walker-Cortez; his step-children; Ken Evans, Eric (Quanda) Evans, Scott (Maria) Evans, Kathleen (Robert) Gerwin; grandchildren, Braxton, Courtney, Chris, Alex, Isaiah, Raymond, Alanna, Akilah, Emori; sisters, Bessie Jo Reed, and Cora Jean Martin; nieces and nephews; Larry Holt, Sharon Austin, Jon Lewis, Linda Cummings, Victor Lewis, Lynette Brooks; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews; extended family, other relatives, and friends who shall remember him fondly and miss him greatly.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 11/5/2017 at 2:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 11/6/2017 at 11:00 AM - Scott United Methodist Church - 2880 Garfield Street, Denver, Colorado
Cemetery: 11/6/2017 - Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 11/6/2017 - Scott United Methodist Church - 2880 Gsrfield Street, Denver, CO