Leland DuWayne Walker, Sr.

The year 1956 was known for two very important reasons: the mega hit, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ and the birth of Leland DuWayne Walker. Born on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1956, Leland blessed the Walker family and the small town of Grandfalls, Texas with his timely presence and unbeknownst to them, many future, ‘New Years’ full of laughter - and lots of it.

Leland began life as a loving brother to seven siblings, the kind of son one can only hope for, and a gentle soul known for his notoriously witty mind and incredibly long legs that would eventually land him a coveted spot on a college track team.

Known for his die-hard dedication to the Dallas Cowboys, he was a super fan his entire life and although he wasn’t able to see them win very often, he stayed true to the positive outlook and happy demeanor he was known for by supporting them to the end - no matter what. He was also proud to call himself a Texas Rangers fan and may have shed a tear or two when they finally won the big one.

He loved to fish, worked harder than most - most of his life - and was one of the best dang gardeners around. He dedicated much of his time - as well as his proteges’ - to watching his various plants grow… tomato plants, bean plants and that good ole’ green stuff that accidentally showed up in his garden one day.

Leland was good at a lot of things, but if you asked him, the one thing he was most proud of was being called Dad by his two beloved children, LeeAnna Nicole Parsons and Leland (Bubba) Walker. He raised them with a compassion and love that anyone would envy and they were both blessed with his humor and kind nature.

Leland found one of his many gifts on the sidelines as a kind and patient coach for both his daughter’s and his son’s softball and baseball teams. Incredibly knowledgeable about the game and equally as fair, he was both loved and respected by the referees, his players and their parents and known to always keep a level head and make sure to keep it fun.

Although Leland was incredibly kind, it was his humor and endless wit that really set him apart from others. Never one to pass on reciting a joke or retelling a good story, he always managed to have those around him gasping for air due to laughter from the rapid-fire stream of hilarious comments and comebacks that never seemed to end.

Leland was proud to grow up as a Grandfalls Cowboy, then cheered for his kids that were Monahans Loboes. He was a proud Aggie and Bearcat Grandpa, and a true state of Texas sports fan.

In his later life, he was blessed to enjoy his retirement on Lake Proctor with his daily cup of coffee, fishing for hours on the lake, and being with friends and family as often as possible.

He said goodbye to this earth on October 20th, 2024 but his life and legacy is one that will never be forgotten, and cherished always.

Leland is preceded in death by his father, Claudie Lee Walker; and his father, Louie Hanson; his mother, Velma Hanson; his brother, Stevie Walker; his sister, Betty Sue Rowe; his sister-in-law, Rickie Ann Walker; his brother, Eddie Royce Walker; and his beloved nephew, Stevie Lee Walker.

Survived by his daughter, LeeAnna Parsons and husband, Chris Parsons, of Aledo, Texas; and his two granddaughters, Taylor Parsons, a student at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, and Nealee Parsons of Aledo, Texas; his son, Leland “Bubba” Walker of Monahans, Texas; his brother, Bobby Walker of Spring, Texas; his sisters, Claudine Robinett of Lubbock, Texas, Gloria Sprouse of Monahans, Texas, and Joann Todd of Savannah, Missouri.

Memorial Celebration of Life for Leland Walker will be held at Ward County Event Center, on Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at 1:00 P.M., family, food and friends sharing memories.

1525 E. Monahans Parkway, Monahans, Texas 79756