Kenneth Eugene Walker, 84, died August 4, 2025 at Denton Village by Pure Health, of Denton, Texas. He was born January 13, 1941 in Portales, New Mexico, the eldest of three sons to Johnie Holland and Elvin Anderson Walker. Ken's early years were spent on a Dry-Land wheat and dairy farm in Eastern Mexico.

Ken enlisted December 1960 as an airman in the U.S Air Force. He flew military cargo into bases to supply the troops throughout Vietnam. Later, he was stationed in Siagon, Vietnam, and taught the Vietnamese to fly the cargo planes given by the United States.  He retired in December of 1980 after twenty years of service as an Air Force Major.

Post military, Ken enjoyed working in the arts and became a highly skilled artisan of fine woodworking and fiber artist of intricate thread embroidery as well as an excellent breadmaker.  He graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Arts.

Ken and his second wife, Peggy Jane Benton, became active members of Triangle Squares square dancing and participated in numerous international homestay trips with Friendship Force International and Servas from 2002 to 2022.  From backpacking in Europe, soon after marrying, staying in hostels and host homes, to living and traveling across the country in an Airstream, they visited 26 countries and all 50 states. After settling in at Good Samaritan Village, now Denton Village by Pure Health, in Denton, they continued life as global citizens sharing presentations of their travels. They helped immigrants new to the U.S get a foothold in the Denton community by sharing their home, money, time and other resources. Many of the people became extended family members to Ken and his wife. Many in Denton Village knew Ken from his daily walks with Trixie, the family schnauzer.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents and only son, Chris. He leaves Peggy Jane Benton, his wife of 42 years, his brothers Tommy (Tammy) Walker and Barry (Becky) Walker. From his first marriage, he leaves his daughter Theresa Walker and her husband Earl.  From his second marriage, he leaves four stepdaughters: Melissa Salerno, Kimberly Ray (Alan), Sandy Fisher (Jim), and Melanie Aaron (Mike).  As Papa Ken, he leaves eight grandchildren: Jonathan, Misty, Matthew, Nick, Joanna, Ryan, Cooper, Jonathan, and Stephanie, as well as seven great grandchildren.

Ken's life was rich with service, creativity, adventure, generosity, and love. He left behind a legacy the clearly touched many lives.

A military memorial will be held on October 27, 2025 at 11am, at the Dallas Fort-Worth National Cemetery.