Edward St. Clair Walker, Jr, 88, of Columbia, MO, passed away on January 25, 2022.  Ed was born at Lee Hospital in Fayette, Missouri, on July 6, 1933, to Edward St. Clair Walker, Sr. and Helen (Sumpter) Walker. Ed grew up in Fayette and Bunceton. His family moved to Columbia when he was 10.

Ed graduated in 1951 from Hickman High School. He attended the University of Missouri for three years and studied landscape architecture and horticulture.

In 1956, Ed began his service in the U.S. Army. He had his basic training in Ft. Lewis, Washington, and then attended the Quartermaster School at Ft. Lee, Virginia, until 1958. He returned to Columbia in 1958 and continued serving in the Army Reserves until 1962. While in service he was on the Rifle Team and received medals for his marksmanship. Ed frequently said he “shot skeet with the Colonel and the General and drove both their wives to take them shopping.” He ran the NCO Club and “saw a lot of action but never any combat.”

Ed owned and operated Walker’s Appliance Store in downtown Columbia in the 1950s and 1960s. He later was employed by the local phone company, GTE, for 20-plus years. He retired from the phone company as a Switchman, helping to maintain the inside office equipment.

Ed was a member of Columbia Elks Lodge #594 and the Columbia Philatelic Society.

Ed was passionate about “the farm.” From doing hay, his trucks, fixing things, cows, dogs, cats, goats, sheep, horses, and gardening – he loved it all. Attending auctions was another passion, and many auctioneers knew him personally. He was known to have a beer or two with the neighbors and even his favorite goat at one time. He could also show everyone his favorite dance – the jitterbug – much to the delight of some of his kids’ friends.

Ed is survived by his wife, Jean (Storm) Walker, and his sister, Carol “Jerry” Wasem of Chicago. He is also survived by four daughters: Julie (Stan) Frink, Jennifer Bray, Jacque (Troy) Brake, Jessica “Shorty” Walker, and one son, Jon Walker. In addition, he is survived by nine grandchildren: Jake (Kelley) Frink, Amber (Chris) Vroman, Katie Frink, Justin Wright, Elle Bray, Dakota (Teran) Brake, Bella Brake, Attis Veros, and Eddie Reddy. Ed had 12 great-grandchildren, a nephew, cousins, and extended family who he also leaves behind.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and one son, William Edward “Teddy” Walker, who died in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Mt Pleasant Christian Church, Baldridge Alumni Association, or the charity or organization of your choice.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be postponed until later this year.