Jarrell Ray “Jerry” Walker
OKLAHOMA CITY - Jerry Walker, 92, went to be with his Lord on April 14, 2022. He was born October 31, 1929 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to Versa Ellen and John Ray Walker. Jerry grew up in southern
Oklahoma and was co-valedictorian of the McLish
High School Class of 1947. He graduated from the
University of Oklahoma in 1951 with a Bachelor of
Science in Education, and then completed a Masters of Arts in American History in 1953, writing his thesis on “The History of Pauls Valley.” He served in the U.S. Army and received a National Defense
Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He served four years as an American History and Government teacher at Norman High School. He taught school while also serving in church youth ministry, and moved into full-time ministry in 1959. He served at two churches as Minister of Education: at Trinity Baptist Church in Norman, from 1959-70, and Baptist Temple in Oklahoma City, from 1970-1991.
Jerry lived a life of devoted service to his Lord, to his family, and the community around him. He was a tireless birthday card sender and was a man of genuine faith. He spent his life ministering to the needs of others around him. He took time to help anyone, whether they were dressed in a threepiece suit or a three-hole pair of overalls. He took to heart the instruction of the Psalmist to “hide” God’s Word in his heart. Just a few hours before his passing (the day before Good Friday 2022), he quoted 2 Corinthians 5:21 to a hospital room full of family and health care professionals. The ESV version reads: “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jerry added, “What an exchange! I just can’t get over it. THAT’s what Easter is all about.”
Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly 36 years, LaReta Walker, of Oklahoma City; four children – son Ron Walker, OKC; daughter Susan Bridges, Edmond; son Mark Walker and partner Jeffrey Meek, OKC; and son Gordon Walker and wife, Beverly, OKC; three sons by marriage – Steve McCord, Florida; David McCord, OKC; Lance McCord and wife, Joy, OKC. He also is survived by 15 grandchildren and their families – Megan Walker Tate and husband, Greg, and Presley, Parker and Paige; Joshua Walker and wife, Alex, and Justin, Rhett, Weston and Olivia; Crista Bridges Jaeggli and husband, Mark, and Olivia, Gunnar and Violet; Blaire Bridges Denneny and husband, Eric, and Breck; Katie Walker Singletary and husband, Taurean, and Mila and Maris; Doug Bridges and wife, Courtney; Brooks Walker and wife, Dru; Annie Walker; Sarah McCord Thompson and husband, Trait, and Cale and Lilah Joy; Amy McCord Jones and husband, Colin; Cole McCord and wife, Katie, and Crosby; Taylor McCord Miller and husband, Joshon, and Hezekiah and Magnolia; Clint McCord; Mike McCord.
He was preceded in death by the wife of his youth and 30 years, Joan Walker; daughter, Miriam Walker Delay; son-in-law, Kenny Bridges; and grandson, Clay Walker; his parents, John and Versa Walker; and sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen and Paul Johnson.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 23, at 10 a.m. at Mercer-Adams Funeral Home, 3925 N. Asbury in Bethany. Viewing will be held Friday, April 22, from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. with family present from 5-7 p.m. Burial will take place in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. To share condolences or read the full obituary, visit www.mercer-adams.com.