88R14777 BK-D
By: Clardy H.R. No. 659
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The city of Nacogdoches lost an esteemed surgeon and
a beloved member of the community with the passing of Dr. Larry
Walker on December 16, 2021, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, Born in De Kalb on July 19, 1949, to Enois and Leon
Walker, Larry Walker grew up with the companionship of two younger
brothers, Luke and Howard; he went on to graduate from Texas A&M
University-Commerce and Baylor College of Medicine, and he
subsequently enlisted in the United States Army; from 1969 to 1970,
he served as captain of the Bravo Company Medical Battalion during
the Vietnam War, distinguishing himself through his work as a
brigade surgeon and earning both a Bronze Star and an Army
Commendation Medal; after receiving an honorable discharge, he
completed his surgical residency at Ben Taub Hospital, and he and
other residents at the hospital were featured in a 1970 issue of
Life magazine; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1970s, Dr. Walker moved to Nacogdoches
and established a private surgical practice at Nacogdoches Memorial
Hospital; he served as a general and trauma surgeon and as the
hospital's chief of surgery up until his retirement in 2017, and he
was instrumental in opening its chemotherapy department and
establishing the East Texas Community Health Clinic; his commitment
to excellence brought out the best in the staff who worked under
him, and at times, his deep concern for the patients he treated led
him to waive medical costs for those who were unable to pay; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Walker also volunteered his time as the hospice
director at Nacogdoches Memorial, and he served on the boards of the
Nacogdoches County Hospital District, as well as the Samaritan
Center, the East Texas Treatment Center, Friends of Music at
Stephen F. Austin State University, and Texas A&M
University-Commerce; he was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus of
Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2012; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Walker enjoyed the love
and support of his wife of 56 years, Diana Walker, and he took great
pride in his sons, Andrew, Craig, and Kevin, and his grandchildren,
Sophia, Liam, Logan, and Sylvia; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Larry Walker dedicated his life to healing and
helping others, and he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and
selflessness that will long be treasured by all those who held him
dear; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Larry Walker and
extend sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and former
colleagues; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Larry
Walker.