**Dr. Bobby James Walker**
*June 30, 1932 – June 2, 2025*

Dr. Bobby James Walker was born on June 30, 1932, to Robert Fulton "Porter" Walker and Laura Etta Perdue. After the passing of his mother due to complications from childbirth, Bobby was lovingly raised by his father and Evelyn Wells Walker.

In 1950, Bobby enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably for four years. As a member of Patrol Squadron 22, he flew numerous aerial missions over the Formosa (Taiwan) Strait and around Alaska, during which four planes were lost. For his service, he was awarded the Air Medal. He completed his military service in August 1954.

In December of that year, he became engaged to Ms. Catherine McGee. They were married in January 1955 and shared 65 devoted years together until Catherine's passing in 2020.

Bobby pursued higher education beginning in 1958 at Baylor University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, California, followed by a Master of Church History from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1979, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Trinity Theological Seminary.

Bobby answered the call to ministry in Odessa, Texas. Over the course of 45 years, he faithfully pastored multiple congregations, including:
* Eastside Baptist Church, Farmington, NM (1 year)
* North Highlands Baptist Church, CA (3 years)
* First Baptist Church, Watauga, TX (3 years)
* First Baptist Church, Schertz, TX (11 years)
* First Baptist Church, Alpine, TX (1 year)

In addition to his work as a pastor, Bobby served for 15 years with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, helping plant new churches and ministers across the state.

Bobby's hobbies included reading, studying scripture, and working puzzles. He was a lifelong student of the Bible and a devoted servant to his faith and community.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catherine Walker; daughter, Laura Jeanette Glidewell; sister, Martha Walker Swink; his parents, Porter Walker and Laura Etta Perdue; and his stepmother, Evelyn Wells Walker.

He is survived by his son, James Walker; daughter, Beverly Martin; sister, Helen Kirk; seven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A life lived for Christ, Bobby now rests in the promise he so faithfully proclaimed:

**"To live is Christ, to die is gain." – Philippians 1:21**
*"I'll Fly Away"* – one of his favorite hymns – will be sung in celebration of his eternal homecoming.