Eldon Walker

Eldon F. Walker, 66, of Farmington, NM was called to heaven early Friday, September 3, 2021. He was born in Hanford, California on June 14, 1955 to Loredia West and Eugene Walker.  He was baptized at the age of 10 and graduated from Farmington High School in 1973.  Eldon attended Technical Vocational Institute in Albuquerque and was the first student to pass all available certifications for welding within a year.

On May 30, 1980 he married the love of his life Johnnie Renee and raised two children, Crystal Lynn and Sterling Michael.  They raised their children around horses and animals.  He was key to the kids being involved in both rodeo and 4-H.  Besides participating in rodeo, they showed livestock and completed many different projects including welding and shooting sports.   Through these adventures the family traveled throughout the state where they made many friends and extended family.    Eldon served on numerous rodeo committees and could always be found growing the sport through helping kids or fundraising.  He was a cowboy at heart.  He loved horses and roping, but the thing he loved most was helping people.

Eldon was successful as an outside salesman for over 35 years in the Four Corners region and loved his work.   He especially loved the connections he made with all of the people he visited weekly.   He was an inventor by heart and loved working on older vehicles and projects, especially with his brother, Jeff.   His family was his passion. He always supported any adventures or ideas they had and would always lend a helping hand when he could.

He was a proud member of Farmington Evening Lions Club for several years.  He fulfilled a lifelong ambition of joining the Scottish and York Rite, following in the footsteps of his uncle and his grandfather.  He was a member of the Farmington Animas Lodge #15.  He donated blood to United Blood Services every six weeks and was a 15-gallon 2-pint donor.   He was on the Tres Rios Rodeo Committee that brought the NHSRA to Farmington in 2002/03.  He shared the idea to offer sponsorships for the trees that surround McGee Park as the Living Tree Memorial.

Eldon is survived by his wife of 41 years, Johnnie and his two children, Crystal (Nathan), Sterling (Brittany) and one grandson, Kimble Olan.  His mother, Loredia (Paul) Faust, sister Renea West, brother Jeff (Anita) Walker, nieces, Deidra (Fidel) Florez, Amanda (John) Garcia and nephew, Jabe Walker.  Uncles Merrill (Jeannie), Duane (MaryAnn), James (Della) West, and aunts Doris (Don) Jelsomino, Audrey Johnson, Maureen (Lee) Hubbard, Marcella Toczko.   Eldon is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews that held a special place in his heart.  Honorable Pallbearers are all of the many friends that he shared a smile and created a memory with throughout his full life.  He had many friends because he was a great friend to many.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you donate to a cause that is close to your heart.  A few of Eldon’s favorite causes include the local youth rodeo association, a 4-H club, the St. Jude’s Hospital or the Lions Club or an animal shelter.