Judge Robert Paul Walker

October 24, 1927 - March 22, 2014

Judge Robert Paul Walker, 86, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away on March 22, 2014 in Sugar Land, Texas. He was born on a farm in Beaufort, Missouri on October 24, 1927. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Kathleen Walker, his grandson Jeffrey Paul Walker, and his brother Bill Walker. Judge Walker is survived by his three children: Robert Keith Walker, Kenneth Paul Walker and wife Marianne, and Timothy James Walker and wife Cindy; grandchildren: Merila Ann Walker, John Bennett Walker, Miriam Ellen Walker, Dr. Bradley Alan Walker, Steven Ross Walker, and Nicholas Tyler Walker; his brothers: Don Walker and wife Charlotte, Fred Walker and wife Linda; and his sisters: Stella Ball and husband Mike, and LaVerna Beaudoin. Judge Walker believed in the indefatigable pursuit of knowledge. At the young age of 14 years, he left his father's sharecropper farm to gain a higher education. After graduating from Crocker High School at 16 years old, he obtained a Bachelor of Science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York in 1948. While working for Texaco Marine Division in New York, he continued his education and obtained a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. In 1962, he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from New York University School of Law. Judge Walker's dynamic career spanned from 1944 to his retirement in 1998. During this period of time he held the position of Captain for Texaco Marine Department to the Manager of Texaco's United States fleet. As captain, he was licensed as a Master of Vessels of any gross tonnage for sailing all oceans and seas. In 1971, he made the decision to leave Texaco and pursue a career as an attorney of law in Jefferson County, Texas. That same year he was elected as a Councilman for the City of Port Arthur Texas. He served on the city council until 1977. In 1981 he celebrated his election as state district judge in the 279th District Court of Texas. He held this post for the next 17 years, ending with his retirement from public office in 1998. As a judge he earned a reputation for being well informed of the law, applying it consistently and uniformly in all proceedings. Judge Walker was also known to demand preparation and professionalism from lawyers in his court. He prided himself with placing the wellbeing of the children affected by family disputes as his foremost concern. Judge Walker was also an accomplished mason. He completed his Degree of Craft Masonry in 1954 in the Cosmopolitan Lodge 872. He later served as Worshipful Master of Lodge 872. He then served as President of the Masters, Wardens, and Secretaries Association of the 26th Masonic District. His leadership and dedication to Freemasonry was recognized by his Lodge which honored him as a recipient of the Golden Trowel award. Judge Walker reached the highest levels within the Freemasonry by becoming a 33 degree and the Grand Master of Texas. Judge Walker was an active and contributing member of the St. John's American Lutheran Church, having served as President of the Church Council. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 26, 2014 in the Thompson Memorial Chapel at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park with Masonic Graveside Rites. The family wishes to thank the "pretty ladies" of Silverado in Sugar Land for their kind care and attention. We also offer special appreciation to Ire Nell Van Devender for her friendship with our Dad in his last years. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, P. O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.