A. Chris Walker

A. CHRIS WALKER, 77, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, cradled in the love of his family. Born on August 2, 1947, in Skidmore, Missouri, Chris was the second of six children of Karol (Fisher) Walker and Dr. Arnold E.T. Walker. His roots were spread across the quiet corners of Weirton, WV, where his father was a beloved physician and his mother ran their office, and York, ME, where his parents retired—all places that shaped his spirit and carried the memories of family and home. Chris’s life was a tapestry woven with family, service, music, and adventure. A proud graduate of Weir High, he answered the call to serve his country in the Army proceeding with the Korean War, spending 13 months stationed in Korea. He carried pride of his service throughout his life, always reminding others of the honor and responsibility that comes with wearing the uniform. In 1972, Chris married the love of his life, Eloise (Konchar) Walker—the only person he brought home to meet his family, and with whom he shared 52 extraordinary years of marriage. Together, they built a life grounded in true love and partnership. Their story was one of unshakable devotion. Their greatest joy came in the form of their three children: Holly Melissa (Brett) Davis, Christopher David (Lori) Walker, and Heather Walker (Roger) Chase. Chris’s love for his family was evident in everything he did, from fishing trips with his dad, brothers, and son, to long conversations and family vacations. Whether they were in Nashville, TN, Kilgore, TX, or simply at home, he made every moment with his children feel cherished and unforgettable. Chris had a passion for adventure, pursuing his dream of becoming a fishing boat captain by moving his family from Weirton, WV, to Cross, SC. He wore many hats throughout his life—car salesman, Finance and Insurance Manager, entrepreneur—but no title brought him more pride than Dad and Grampy. His determination and entrepreneurial spirit led him to build many successful businesses, but his heart was always with his family. Music was the soundtrack of Chris’s life. In his younger years, he was an original founding member of the Motown review group The Fantasy’s, alongside Bob Powell, Scotty Hicks, and Tom Mathews. Even as the years passed, music remained a source of joy that connected him to others, filling rooms with memories of the good times. Chris lived by principles that he passed on to his children: work hard and play hard, stand by what you believe in, pay your debts, and be ready for your best first impression. He was a man of strength, always ready with advice or encouragement, and his presence could fill a room without him saying a word. In the later chapters of his life, Chris faced Alzheimer’s disease, lovingly cared for by his wife, sister Anne, children, and grandchildren. While the disease took away his words, his sense of humor shone through while watching funny videos with family. In the end, he found peace, surrounded by those who loved him most. Chris leaves behind his beloved wife, Eloise, their three children, seven grandchildren—Jayme (Blake) Hicks, Lauren Christenson, Kiyla Chase, Brianna Walker, Ellison Chase, Lilian Davis, Avalee Chase, and Isabel Chase—a great-grandson, Bentley Hicks, and his siblings: David Glen Walker (Karen), Edith Anne Walker, Deborah Lynne Walker Zerbinopoulos (Richard), and Terrie Lee Walker. He joins in heaven both of his parents, his older brother, Rev. Hugh Eben Walker (Marilynn), and his granddaughter Leah Melissa, who preceded him in death. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him well. A service to honor and celebrate Chris’s life was held at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Weirton, on Monday, November 4, 2024. Visitation will also held on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, in the hope of one day ending this devastating disease. Contributions can be made payable to Walk to End Alzheimer’s – A. Chris Walker Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074 or online at http://act.alz.org/goto/AChrisWalker.