William Walker

William Stanley Walker, loving husband, dad and friend went to be with his heavenly Father on March 19, 2007 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Stanley was born December 3, 1934 in Clarksville Texas to William Wright Walker and Gladys Mae Diffie. Mr. Walker graduated from Clarksville High School and attended Paris Jr. College and East Texas Teachers College where he received a bachelor's degree in music education. Mr. Walker was a high school band director in several east Texas school districts before working 25 years as a school service representative and store manager for Tatum Music Company in Longview and Tyler. After leaving the sales profession he became a band director for Whitehouse Independent School District directing bands at Higgins Intermediate School, Holloway Middle School and assisted at the high school and junior high school for five years before retiring. Stanley was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. William Walker and his sister Bobbie Lilliard. Stanley is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Ann, two sons, Steve of Duncanville, Michael and his wife Regina of Grand Prairie, one daughter, Suzanne Mounce and her husband Steve of Carrollton. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Ashleigh, Monique, Brandon, Westyn, Drew and Beth. In February it was announced that Mr. Walker was going to be inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame which is the highest honor a band director can receive in the state of Texas. The induction ceremony will be held in July. His professional organizations were Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmaster's Association and Phi Beta Mu, Honorary Music Fraternity. Stanley was a wonderful man who always had time for a friend. One of his greatest joys was teaching music to his students. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Visitation will be at Stewart Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Graveside service is 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 22 at Whitehouse Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Whitehouse High School Auditorium with the Reverend Chuck Bratz officiating and under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Jerry Gober, Gary Jordan, Jimmy Jordan, Johnny Jordan, Denny Whitley and Tom Young. Honorary pallbearers are Doice Grant, Neil Grant, David Harper, Paul Henry, Bob Ingram, Roger McClaren, Blanton McDonald, Will Reavis, Jim Sinkle and all band director friends. Memorials in honor of Mr. Walker may be made to Whitehouse United Methodist Church Building fund at 405 W. Main, Whitehouse, Texas 75791 or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701. For more information or to express condolences, visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.

William Walker

December 3, 1934 - March 19, 2007