Harold Walker
Harold L. “Jiggs” Walker, of Lockhart died Feb. 6, 2014. He was born July 17, 1930 in Amherst, Texas to Laura (Wilson) and Carl Walker. Jiggs attended Littlefield High School where upon graduation, he was awarded several athletic scholarships. Due to numerous economic hardships of the day, he was unable to attend college. Instead he found work as a lineman for the telephone
company. During his free time, Jiggs competed in rodeos throughout Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico where he won the bronc riding and bulldogging events.
In 1951, he met and married Jacqueline Rieben and they lived together in Fairfax, Virginia. At the onset of the Korean War, he enlisted in the United States Navy and became a member of the Elite Frogmen: a precursor to the Navy Seals. After three years of service, in 1955 the Walkers relocated to Texas. Jiggs had three sons and one daughter. He worked as an engineer for the USDA Soil Conservation Service for 32 years upon his retirement in 1986.
Jiggs inherited a love for horses from his father and spent his adult life raising Quarter Horses. He was a life member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. Jiggs enjoyed telling stories from his colorful life. He never met a stranger and was extremely generous and would always, with great modesty help others who were need. In 2011, Jiggs published his memoir called, A Texas Cowboy Remembers. He loved music and was a talented dancer. He was a good father. He taught his children how to work and always put their needs before his own.
Jiggs was preceded in death by his son Matthew Q. Walker, Sr. who died in November 2012.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline R. Walker; two sons: John Walker and Mark Walker, of Lockhart, Texas, and his daughter, Liz Beth Walker of Ribera, New Mexico. He had six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at the Eeds Funeral Home Chapel in Lockhart with Pastor Ron Scott officiating .All arrangements with Eeds Funeral Home, 408 S. Main St., Lockhart, Texas 78644. (512) 398-2343. To view and sign the guestbook, visit www.post-register.com/obituaries/jiggs-walker.
We loved Uncle Jiggs, and never met another man like him, unless it was my dad, Toby. Since they were close in age they got into much mischief together. We love visiting ya’ll in west Texas. I know the last few years have been tough, and I’m so sorry for that. Love got you through it as it will now. We are with you in spirit. We send you our love and prayers.