John Walker

John Christopher Walker, 69, Topeka, passed Monday, December 5, 2016, at his daughter's residence in Denver, Colorado with his children at his bedside. Chris was born Feb. 27, 1947, in Topeka, Kansas, to John Oliver and Jeanette Burt Walker, and graduated from Topeka High School Class of 1965. Chris was a graduate of Colorado College (B.A. in Business, 1969) where he was an active member of Phi Gamma Delta and a varsity swimmer. He worked alongside his father, "Jolly", in the family's Pelletier's Department stores. Chris and his family lived in many cities including Kansas City, St. Louis, and he most recently resided in Wichita, Kansas. As an investment banker, he had worked for Smith Barney, Boatman's Bank, Intrust Bank, Southwest National Bank and eventually as a self-contractor where he fulfilled his true love in educating and providing personalized service and attention to his clients. In 2016 he was diagnosed with cancer and moved to be with his daughter in Denver, CO. Chris spent many summers in Okoboji, Iowa as an avid sailor and "professional" sponge tag player. He continued this family tradition with the purchase of a family cabin, "Rock A Bye Baby", providing a fifth generation of Lake fun. Chris was a loving, devoted father, the kind that fostered strength, confidence, kindness and integrity. His contagious humor and smile will be the driving force of healing for the many he left behind. Family was his purpose, his priority and his legacy. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette Burt Walker; his sister Emily Jeanette Carlile; and his father John Oliver "Jolly" Walker. He is survived by his aunt Marianne Beeson, Tulsa, OK; his daughter, Megheen E. Goos (Clinton), Denver, CO; his son, John Cooper Walker (Elizabeth), Lees Summit, MO; his niece Katie Carlile Petrides (Peter), Denver, CO; his nephew Matthew Carlile (Madison), Charleston, SC and his wonderful grandchildren, Kingston Oliver, Leyton Christopher, Stella Grey, Calliope SueAnn and "Johnny" B (Bristol Elizabeth). A graveside service will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka KS 66604. Reception to follow at the Topeka Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Okoboji Protective Association, Chris Walker Memorial, P.O. Box 242 Okoboji, IA 51355