Ivan D. Walker, Jr.

(Ivan "Danny" Walker Jr. was born on July 30, 1961, in Kansas City Missouri. He was the first-born son of two, to Ivan D. Walker & Bonnie J. (Dallas) Walker.  He was a typical inquisitive youth as he and I (the younger brother) grew up together.  As small children we spent hours upon hours building and creating our make-believe city we called "Hawthorne", where Danny was the banker Mr. Whittaker, and I was the Mayor Mr. O'Jayson. Even as a kid Danny had big dreams!

As a youth Danny attended St. Joseph Grade School (where he met his long-time friend: Karlton Turner, who remained best friends until his passing) and High School at Bishop Hogan, graduating in 1979.  After high school, he attended the University of Arizona (Tucson) where he studied Economics earning his bachelor’s degree, and also fostering more great friendships to last a lifetime and pledging (Alpha phi Alpha).  While at University of Arizona, Danny served in the ROTC program.  He served active duty in the Army from 1987-1988, Army National Guard 1987-1990 and the Army Reserves 1990-1993.

After graduating, he moved to Texas working for Johnson & Johnson, but soon set his sights on bigger and better things out west. Danny would make a life in Arizona (because if you knew him, you know he hated the cold).  During his time in Arizona, he started several businesses as well as starting a family.  His only son Ian D. Walker was born in 1994.  I recall the first time he came home to Kansas City with little Ian in tow, it was the cutest sight for 2 reasons: FIRST, Ian was adorable in his little yellow rain slicker and holding the "infamous baby George" (Curious George stuffed animal) sitting on their luggage as we met them, SECONDLY, because this was a side of my brother that I'd never seen before, he'd become a dad! Danny would continue to love and nurture Ian through his youth and throughout his adulthood. He was a very proud and doting father, always sharing stories about Ian's travels abroad and the work he was doing. Everything Danny did, would be for Ian.  He'd always say " I gotta take care of this for my man," and his man was...... Ian.

Ian shared some sayings his dad used to say to him all the time like, “Cool Is Good” and “Why Would I Be Mad” and I’m sure these will hold a special meaning for his lifetime.

In more recent years he called Nevada home and from there he could jump on a plane to handle business deals anywhere whenever and wherever needed.

Danny was fun-loving, adventurous, and always joking around (he could definitely make you laugh), and yes, he could be bossy as hell (he wanted you to experience new things through his eyes, lol, but laying all jokes aside, he loved sharing a new experience or idea with people).  He loved to reminisce about the antics of his youth, “some antics that included another very good friend John McCain, whom he shared/we shared many good times with”, his son, our dad, my family and me.  He will truly be missed, but certainly never, ever forgotten. 

Danny was preceded in death by his parents Ivan D. & Bonnie J. (Dallas) Walker, Maternal Grandparents: Kerma L. Dallas & Margaret (Guy) later m. Calvin Jones and Paternal Grandparents: (Daniel Bud & Anna Mae (Jumper) Walker.

He leaves to cherish his memories his son Ian D. Walker, his brother Byron (Nerissa), nephews: Byron Walker Jr. (Catreese), Jordan Walker, Andrew Walker, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces, nephews, and friends. 

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