Royal Kent Walker

Royal Kent Walker, age 76, our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grand father, brother and uncle passed away September 1st, 2017 surrounded by his family. Royal was born Feb. 28, 1941 to Royal Ruben Walker and Lyle Croxford Walker in Murray, UT.

Royal is survived by his gorgeous wife, Penelope Walker, and his awesome children, Troy Walker (Stefani), Kyle Walker (Jennifer), Carolyn Kimball (Chris), Garett Walker, Hailee Brooks (Brant), Stephanie Tracy, Susan Lloyd (Scott), Shannon Smith (Steve), 30 wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his brother Terry Walker (Cynthia), and sister Mryna McPherson (Erwin), Carolee Oaks, and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Royal (Butch as he was lovingly called by family) loved his family and enjoyed being outdoors. He was always up for an adventure no matter the time or day. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and skiing with his family and even served on ski patrol for a number of years. He had a mischievous smile that could light up any room and his sparkling gray eyes always held a loving look. Royal grew up with his family on 1300 East working the farm with his father and family. He learned how to drive a tractor when he was 4 years old.

Royal went to Jordan High School where he played on the basketball team (despite his Walker stature) and met the love of his life. He later went on to serve an LDS mission to Texas.  Royal then enlisted in the Army and became a helicopter pilot and served his Country during the Vietnam War flying Cobra's as a Captain of the 1st Air Cavalry. He was awarded the Bronze Star among other medals for his achievements and sacrifice.

After returning from service he married Penny Erekson and took her on a lifelong adventure including a few years in Iran and later a Senior mission to Atlanta, Georgia. He loved our mother with all his heart. He loved and adored his grandchildren more than anything and he was truly happiest when he was with them. There will never be enough words to describe how amazing our father was, but can say that our father was our hero, our confidant, our friend, and our knight in shining armor, always there when you needed him and ready to help in any way that he could.  Royal could seem gruff and he was a fighter be he had a beyond  gentle heart.  He will be truly missed by all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters (Janene, Maxine, and Connie), and 3 brothers-in-law (Vance Smith, Richard Thomas, and Tom Oaks).

The family would like to thank everyone at the VA Hospital for their care and service to our father.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, September 6th, 6-8 pm at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 S. 700 E., Draper. Funeral services will be held at the LDS Chapel at 12110 S. 1300 W., Riverton on Thursday, Sept 7th at 11:00 am with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:45 am. Interment immediate following.