Stanley Walker Obituary

1st Sgt. Stanley T Walker, (U.S. Army ret.), passed away at home on June 3, 2013. He was born to Esther and Russell Walker on July 23, 1922 in Peabody, Massachusetts. He married Barbara E Thatcher on December 11, 1943, who preceded him in death on October 14, 1980. He is survived by his children: Kathleen Graham (Tom), Barbara Brown (Mike), Sue Sulley (John) and Stanley T. Walker, Jr. (Pam); several loving grand and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; as well as longtime friend and companion, Alice Knapp. Stan proudly served his country for over 21 years in the U.S. Army. He was drafted and joined the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale, where he was a skiing, climbing and winter warfare instructor. He served in World War II and was part of the team that stormed Riva Ridge in Italy in the winter of 1945. The attack by the 86th on February 18, 1945 was a complete success and an unwelcome surprise to the Germans. In 1948, he was chosen to represent the USA in the Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. He proudly carried the United States banner in the opening ceremonies. He was a member of the Army climbing team that demonstrated techniques for the public in North Cheyenne Canyon. After his retirement in 1963, he was a letter carrier in Colorado Springs for over 20 years. He will be remembered by many of those along his routes as being friendly, efficient, and always on time. Stan was an expert skier for over 82 years. He skied everywhere he found snow. Throughout his military career, the family returned time and again to Colorado Springs to be near the mountains he loved so well. He took a family trip to Alaska earlier this year, adding to his lifetime list of great places to visit including most of the mountains of Europe. He enjoyed hiking, golfing, rock climbing, camping and was an expert marksman. A friend once said that he never saw anyone throw a football further than Stan. A memorial service will be Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 9:30am at Faith Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Palmer Park and Circle Drive, with reception following. Military honors will be performed at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the charity of your choice.