Robert John Walker

Robert John Walker, aka Papa, passed away on September 1st, 2026, due to complications from a stroke caused by endocarditis. He fought till the very end through setback after setback and passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family.

John was born on March 18, 1952, in Nampa, Idaho, to Clive and Ardeth Walker. He was the 8th of 10 kids. Growing up with a big family on a dairy farm sure made for some great stories that he absolutely loved to share. He spent his childhood years in Nampa and Fruitland, Idaho, and graduated from Fruitland High School.

He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Seoul, Korea. He loved his time in Korea and the lessons the mission taught him. After returning home from the mission, he moved to Bountiful, Utah, where he saw the most beautiful girl at a Young Single Adult activity. Long story short, He married Kathy Parker on September 6th 1974.

Shortly after, his work with Bailey's Moving and Storage took him and Kathy to Twin Falls, Idaho, then San Diego, California, and finally landed them home in Centerville, Utah. Along the way, they welcomed their 4 sons, Jason (Kara), Kyle (Jessica), Jordan (Laura), Clark (Michelle), and finally got his favorite daughter, Jenny (Kirk).

John worked at Bailey's Moving and Storage driving truck. He drove countless hours, seeing a good chunk of our beautiful country. Driving was one of his very favorite things to do. He worked his way up the corporate ladder and eventually owned Bailey’s Moving and Storage. He loved all the people he worked with and could help solve any moving problem.

Nothing in John’s life was more important to him than serving Heavenly Father. He was called to preside over the Australia Sydney North Mission with Kathy and his three youngest children from 2001-2004. Nothing can describe the love that he has for the missionaries and the wonderful people he met while in Australia.

After coming home from Australia, John realized that all he wanted to do was teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So he went back to college at the ripe age of 52 to get his bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Utah and eventually his master's degree in religious education at BYU. He bleeds both red and blue. He landed his dream job as a seminary teacher at Highland and East High Schools, then moved to Torrance, California, to become the director of the institute at El Camino College. He taught for a total of about 12 years.

John loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved to be on the ski slopes, early mornings on a ski boat, on the houseboat in Lake Powell, and any and all time spent in McCall, Idaho. He loved McCall so much that he bought a condo there so he could share a place so dear to him with all the people he loved.

There was never an adventure he would say no to, unless, of course, he didn’t want to do it. He loved to go on walkabouts, which often resulted in surprise purchases that Kathy would roll her eyes at, ie., goats, boats and cars.

One of John’s superpowers was his generous heart. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone. His stuff was everybody’s stuff. He lived by the motto “Mi Casa es su Casa.” He and Kathy loved so much when people from near and far would come stay at their house. Especially former missionaries, family members, and dear friends from Australia. Their door always was, and always is, open.

His 17 grandkids brought him so much joy. The highlight of every month was Walker Family Dinner. There was never a dinner that wasn’t accompanied by a story of Grandpa's childhood. John loved to tell stories and was frankly really good at it. Although, some of his stories would go on far too long, only to be concluded with a joke. He never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

John is survived by his wife, Kathy; his siblings: Clive, Aurlie, Linda, Mary Lou, and Todd; his children; and most of his grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his parents, Clive and Ardeth Walker; his father-in-law, Charles Parker; his brothers, Laird and Joly; his sisters, Kathleen and Sherrel; and his stillborn grandson, James. What a reunion that must have been.

The funeral arrangements have been scheduled as follows:

Viewings

Monday, September 14th, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, from 9:45–10:45 AM

Funeral Service

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, at 11:00 AM

All services will take place at the LDS Chapel located at 2110 North Main, Centerville, Utah.

For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the funeral service will be available on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary below.

John’s family would like to thank all the medical professionals at the U of U Hospital who spent so many hours caring for him, and the many, many prayers and love offered on his behalf.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following charities:

LDS Missionary Fund: https://give.churchofjesuschrist.org/campaigns/81335/donations/new

Utah Food Bank: https://www.utahfoodbank.org/give/give-money/

University Hospital Foundation: https://healthcare.utah.edu/foundation

Bob's your uncle!