Samuel Flower Walker

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday December 18th, 2012 at a Mass of Christian burial in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Sam 'Sammy' F. Walker, 96, who died on December 15th, 2012 in his home. Interment will be in the Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery. Musical selections for the funeral mass will be 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee,' The Old Rugged Cross, ' 'How Great Thou Art,' 'Amazing Grace,' and 'Gifts of Finest Wheat.' Mr. Walker was a native of Opelousas, the son of the late Sam F. Walker Sr. and the former Mary Emma Savoy, and had been a resident of Lafayette since 1941. Prior to his retirement in 1980, he was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company for 40 years. He served as a member and officer in the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the United Transportation Union. Mr. Walker represented railroad employees from the Lafayette Division in safety and grievance matters. He also served the Organization as Secretary and State Legislative Director of the Louisiana State Legislative Board, representing railroad workers throughout the state of Louisiana. His favorite past time following his retirement was fishing. Mr. Walker was a member of the Saint John Cathedral Community and served as an usher for numerous years. He was a member and past president of the Saint John Ushers Society, an officer of the Lafayette Knights of Columbus Council 1286, Saint Joseph's Diner and Concerned Citizens for Good Government. His survivors include his loving wife, advisor and friend of 72 years, Mrs. Gloria Wyble Walker, three daughters and sons-in-law, Mr. George and Mrs. Charlotte Benoit, Mr. Bert and Mrs. Diana Layne of Houston and Dr. Albert and Mrs. Kathleen Guilliot of Lafayette, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, and his sister Mrs. Sidney Sandoz of Opelousas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, L. Audrey Walker and J. Wyott Walker of Opelousas, and Robert A. Walker of Lafayette. The Family would like to extend special thanks to the kind and loving staff at Garden View Estates, Mr. Elmo Breaux, friend and caretaker, and to Hospice of Acadiana. Pallbearers will be his six grandsons, Mr. Bryan Benoit, Dr. David Benoit, Mr. Paul Benoit, Mr. Schott McCollum, Dr. John Guilliot and Mr. Jared Guilliot. Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. George Benoit, Mr. Bert Layne, Dr. Albert Guilliot, Mr. Vincent Saitta, Mr. Paul 'Jerry' Guilliot, and Mr. Butch Guilliot. A Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am on Tuesday. The Family request that visiting hours be observed from 8:00 am until the time of the service on Tuesday. In Lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to The Carmelite Monastery at 1250 Carmel Drive in Lafayette or to Hospice of Acadiana. Personal condolences may be sent to the Walker family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, will handle the final arrangements.

Samuel Flower Walker

November 1, 1916 - December 15, 2012