Harry Joseph Walker, of Hot Springs, SD, age 65, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at his home, with his wife by his side.

He was born November 4, 1943, in Butte, MT to Theodore and Margaret (Rhoades) Walker. He was raised in Hot Springs and Pringle, SD. While growing up he helped his father and step-mother in the running of their café and gas station in Pringle. After high school he worked for the Forest Service for a period of time before enlisting in the United States Navy on October 6, 1964. During the time served in the Navy, he did three tours of duty in Vietnam, and received an Honorable Discharge on March 5, 1969.

On January 7, 1969, he married Paula Gresham-Fisher in Winner, SD. After his discharge from the Navy, the couple resided for short periods of time in Edgemont and Pringle, SD and Tulsa, OK, before moving to Winner, SD. In 1972, they moved back to Edgemont, where he was employed by Kustom Kraft until he was hired on with the Burlington Northern Railroad in June of 1973, retiring in 1996. The couple, along with their five children, moved to Hot Springs in 1977, where they resided at the time of his death.

Harry enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and was looking forward to the arrival of his first great grandson in July of this year. He loved working in his yard gardening and making wood projects in his garage.

Harry is survived by his wife, Paula of Hot Springs; daughter, Jody Walker-Herman (fiancé Rick Sibal) of Rapid City, SD; sons, Spence Walker (girlfriend Tina Steele); Torey Walker; Jason Walker (girlfriend Wendy Thompson) all of Hot Springs and Justin Walker (fianceé Kris Wemhoff) of Shelby, NE; nine grandchildren, Travis Walker (girlfriend Katrina Donovan) of Stanford, CA; Trevor Herman; Joshua Herman and Jacob Herman of Winner, SD; Shanelle Herman of Hot Springs; Aaron Giedd of Rapid City, SD; Sasha Stover of Hot Springs; Taylor Walker and Draven Walker of Hot Springs; step-mother, Arlene Walker; half-brothers, Gaile Walker and Larry Walker all of Custer, SD; one uncle, Don Walker (Patricia) of Montrose, CO; an aunt, Verna Walker of Hot Springs and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Walker; mother, Margaret Walker; three uncles, Robert 'Micky' Walker, Lawrence Walker and Lester Walker.

Many came to visit Harry during the last eight weeks of his life. They would come to visit him to help him and be a blessing to him, and went away being the ones who received a blessing. His faith in God was so very strong.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 17, 2009, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 18, 2009, at the Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church in Hot Springs with Pastor Mark Crossman officiating. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs. Military Honors are being provided by the South Dakota National Guard and the Hot Springs Veterans Honor Guards.

A memorial has been established in Harry's name and may be sent to the family.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.