Clayton A. “Bud” Walker, 85, passed away in Arizona. He was born in April of 1932 in Kansas City Missouri, the son of Victor A. Walker and Elvira Capps Walker. He grew up in Pittsburg, KS and was a 1950 graduate of Pittsburg High School. Bud earned a Business degree from the University of Kansas in 1958 after he served in the United States Navy. Upon graduation he was united in marriage with Margaret Wille of Kansas City, Kansas who resides in Arizona.
As a young contractor with a backhoe, (’67) Hydroline began installing PVC pipe for rural water lines throughout the central Midwest and in (’71) Bud founded Vinylplex, a manufacturer of PVC pipe in Pittsburg KS. In (’83) Bud along with his two sons and Steve Laskey, started Vinyltech Corporation in Phoenix, AZ. He exited the pipe business (’00) and was drawn back to where he grew up and joined Terry Kunstel with T&C Wildlife.
He also held ownership in several other businesses including (’78) General Poly, (’80) Magic Oil, (‘81) Business Essential’s. Bud was an owner of the Texas Rangers MLB club beginning in 1974. An avid outdoorsman, he was passionate about bird hunting in Kansas and Canada, fishing the Canadian border lakes with friends and family, and big game hunting in North America and Africa. His favorites were bobwhite quail and whitetail deer. He achieved 65 consecutive opening day Kansas quail hunts with friends. His desire for others to experience the outdoors in Kansas led him to endow and support Kansas Wildscapes Cabin Project. His love of sports led him to ownership of Magic Stables (thoroughbred horse racing), a founding member of Wolf Creek Golf Club, and a supporter of the University of Kansas Williams fund. He was a proud supporter of the University Kansas Baseball Jayhawks. Rock Chalk. He endowed the Southeast Kansas Community Foundation and began a Foundation called Caring for Kids.
Bud is survived by his wife Margaret, a son Michael (Jolene) who reside in Arizona. He is also survived by three granddaughters. He is preceded in death by his son David, his parents, two sisters Carol Adams and Cloe Ann Bentlage, and a brother Jim Walker. Special acknowledgement to all his partners and friends that walked with him in all his business and outdoor endeavors.
Bud will be laid to rest at Walker Cemetery, Garland, KS in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caring for Kids, Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Fund. PO Box 1448 Pittsburg, KS 66762. Marge, Mike, Jolene and Bud’s granddaughters would love to hear from you! Send memories – PO BOX 32785 Phoenix, AZ 85064mwalker5962@gmail.com Text pictures, prayers 1-620-240-0074 or Leave a Voicemail. Online condolences may also be left at www.brennermortuary.com. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.
No comments:
Post a Comment