Ryan P. Walker, was born, January 6, 1977, on a frigid blustery snowy day, to Larry Dale and Regina Shrader Walker in Mena, Arkansas and welcomed by big brother, Kyle. He passed, surrounded by his loving family, while listening to "I'll Fly Away" November 4, 2023, in Little Rock at the CHI St. Vincent Infirmary.
Ryan graduated from Mena High School in 1995 and attained an Associates of Arts in Business Administration from Rich Mountain Community College (UofA Rich Mountain) and transferred to the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Post Master Certificate in Building Level Administration and completed coursework for District Level Administration. He also completed the Master Principal Program through the Arkansas Leadership Academy. Ryan has held various positions in the Waldron School District the past 21 years, from classroom teacher to Director of Finance, Facilities & Administration to Elementary and Early Childhood Principal to Adventure Online Academy Principal.
Over the past 16 years, he has built the ABC/First Step Program to what it is today, through grant writing and support of the school district. During his tenure as principal of Waldron Elementary, they were designated as a School of Innovation by the Arkansas Department of Education. Through The Better Chance Program, they also received the School of the Year Award from Frog Street Press. In the past, he served as an adjunct faculty member for UofA Rich Mountain teaching Adult Education and was currently teaching Adult Education for the Fort Smith Public Schools in Waldron.
In 2020, he was awarded the RMCC/UARM Outstanding Alumni Award. He always supported his beloved Razorbacks, as displayed in his office, and loved to travel, even if it was just in "Big Red" down a long backroad drive. A memorable and humbling mission trip with the First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, to Quito, Ecuador, was his longest journey.
Through his entrepreneurial spirit and utilizing his Business Degree, he was co-owner of Nook & Cranny Gifts & More in Waldron, for the past 13 years, Principal of Bootstrap Investments, LLC, The Uptown Loft LLC-a planned historic B&B, and Allbaugh's Florist and Gifts, LLC both in the historic district of downtown Mena.
His Love for education began at an early age. His brother, Kyle, five years his senior, would bring home extra coloring pages and school work and Ryan would coax him into playing school. He had many wonderful teachers in the Mena School District who provided the foundation to become an educator. His love for helping children, especially the little ones, never wavered. His big heart, child-like spirit and mischievous side endeared him to many. Ryan was a long-time supporter of World Vision and has sponsored a child for years. He was president of the Waldron Boys and Girls Club for 4 years and on the board of directors for 3 years.
Ryan loved his family dearly, especially his niece, "Dori." He was a true believer and was baptized into faith, September 11, 1994. He became a member of the Mountain View Methodist Church in Mena, at that time.
Survivors are his Mother, Regina Walker; brother, Kyle Walker (Marlene); niece, Dori Walker; Nephew, Alden Maywald (Macy); Uncle, Brent Shrader (Becky); Aunt, Dixie Shrader, all of Mena, in addition to a great niece and nephew, several cousins, and Ethan Wayne Kelly (son by choice).
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Dale Walker; maternal grandparents Addis and Clarica Shrader; paternal grandparents Dewey and Florence Walker, Uncles: Bobby Jo Norris, Rodney Norris, David Walker and Kent Shrader; Aunts: Kathy Shrader and Cloma Walker.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Waldron High School Auditorium on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at the Pinecrest Cemetery in Mena at 2:00 P.M. Pallbearers will be: Daniel Fielding, Chris Lipham, Dan Breshears, Keith Brigance, Josh Clemmer, Ron Metcalf, Ethan Millard and Cody Parks. Honorary pallbearers: Faculty and Staff of the Waldron School District.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Waldron School District Preschool Activity Fund, 1560 West 6th Street, Waldron, AR 72958
Online condolences may be sent at www.martinfuneralhomes.com.
Published November 10, 2023
Arkansas Democrat/Gazette
Ryan graduated from Mena High School in 1995 and attained an Associates of Arts in Business Administration from Rich Mountain Community College (UofA Rich Mountain) and transferred to the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Post Master Certificate in Building Level Administration and completed coursework for District Level Administration. He also completed the Master Principal Program through the Arkansas Leadership Academy. Ryan has held various positions in the Waldron School District the past 21 years, from classroom teacher to Director of Finance, Facilities & Administration to Elementary and Early Childhood Principal to Adventure Online Academy Principal.
Over the past 16 years, he has built the ABC/First Step Program to what it is today, through grant writing and support of the school district. During his tenure as principal of Waldron Elementary, they were designated as a School of Innovation by the Arkansas Department of Education. Through The Better Chance Program, they also received the School of the Year Award from Frog Street Press. In the past, he served as an adjunct faculty member for UofA Rich Mountain teaching Adult Education and was currently teaching Adult Education for the Fort Smith Public Schools in Waldron.
In 2020, he was awarded the RMCC/UARM Outstanding Alumni Award. He always supported his beloved Razorbacks, as displayed in his office, and loved to travel, even if it was just in "Big Red" down a long backroad drive. A memorable and humbling mission trip with the First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, to Quito, Ecuador, was his longest journey.
Through his entrepreneurial spirit and utilizing his Business Degree, he was co-owner of Nook & Cranny Gifts & More in Waldron, for the past 13 years, Principal of Bootstrap Investments, LLC, The Uptown Loft LLC-a planned historic B&B, and Allbaugh's Florist and Gifts, LLC both in the historic district of downtown Mena.
His Love for education began at an early age. His brother, Kyle, five years his senior, would bring home extra coloring pages and school work and Ryan would coax him into playing school. He had many wonderful teachers in the Mena School District who provided the foundation to become an educator. His love for helping children, especially the little ones, never wavered. His big heart, child-like spirit and mischievous side endeared him to many. Ryan was a long-time supporter of World Vision and has sponsored a child for years. He was president of the Waldron Boys and Girls Club for 4 years and on the board of directors for 3 years.
Ryan loved his family dearly, especially his niece, "Dori." He was a true believer and was baptized into faith, September 11, 1994. He became a member of the Mountain View Methodist Church in Mena, at that time.
Survivors are his Mother, Regina Walker; brother, Kyle Walker (Marlene); niece, Dori Walker; Nephew, Alden Maywald (Macy); Uncle, Brent Shrader (Becky); Aunt, Dixie Shrader, all of Mena, in addition to a great niece and nephew, several cousins, and Ethan Wayne Kelly (son by choice).
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Dale Walker; maternal grandparents Addis and Clarica Shrader; paternal grandparents Dewey and Florence Walker, Uncles: Bobby Jo Norris, Rodney Norris, David Walker and Kent Shrader; Aunts: Kathy Shrader and Cloma Walker.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Waldron High School Auditorium on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at the Pinecrest Cemetery in Mena at 2:00 P.M. Pallbearers will be: Daniel Fielding, Chris Lipham, Dan Breshears, Keith Brigance, Josh Clemmer, Ron Metcalf, Ethan Millard and Cody Parks. Honorary pallbearers: Faculty and Staff of the Waldron School District.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Waldron School District Preschool Activity Fund, 1560 West 6th Street, Waldron, AR 72958
Online condolences may be sent at www.martinfuneralhomes.com.
Published November 10, 2023
Arkansas Democrat/Gazette
Ryan P. Walker, was born, January 6, 1977, on a frigid blustery snowy day, to Larry Dale and Regina Shrader Walker in Mena, Arkansas and welcomed by big brother, Kyle. He passed, surrounded by his loving family, while listening to "I'll Fly Away" November 4, 2023, in Little Rock at the CHI St. Vincent Infirmary.
Ryan graduated from Mena High School in 1995 and attained an Associates of Arts in Business Administration from Rich Mountain Community College (UofA Rich Mountain) and transferred to the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Post Master Certificate in Building Level Administration and completed coursework for District Level Administration. He also completed the Master Principal Program through the Arkansas Leadership Academy. Ryan has held various positions in the Waldron School District the past 21 years, from classroom teacher to Director of Finance, Facilities & Administration to Elementary and Early Childhood Principal to Adventure Online Academy Principal.
Over the past 16 years, he has built the ABC/First Step Program to what it is today, through grant writing and support of the school district. During his tenure as principal of Waldron Elementary, they were designated as a School of Innovation by the Arkansas Department of Education. Through The Better Chance Program, they also received the School of the Year Award from Frog Street Press. In the past, he served as an adjunct faculty member for UofA Rich Mountain teaching Adult Education and was currently teaching Adult Education for the Fort Smith Public Schools in Waldron.
In 2020, he was awarded the RMCC/UARM Outstanding Alumni Award. He always supported his beloved Razorbacks, as displayed in his office, and loved to travel, even if it was just in "Big Red" down a long backroad drive. A memorable and humbling mission trip with the First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, to Quito, Ecuador, was his longest journey.
Through his entrepreneurial spirit and utilizing his Business Degree, he was co-owner of Nook & Cranny Gifts & More in Waldron, for the past 13 years, Principal of Bootstrap Investments, LLC, The Uptown Loft LLC-a planned historic B&B, and Allbaugh's Florist and Gifts, LLC both in the historic district of downtown Mena.
His Love for education began at an early age. His brother, Kyle, five years his senior, would bring home extra coloring pages and school work and Ryan would coax him into playing school. He had many wonderful teachers in the Mena School District who provided the foundation to become an educator. His love for helping children, especially the little ones, never wavered. His big heart, child-like spirit and mischievous side endeared him to many. Ryan was a long-time supporter of World Vision and has sponsored a child for years. He was president of the Waldron Boys and Girls Club for 4 years and on the board of directors for 3 years.
Ryan loved his family dearly, especially his niece, "Dori." He was a true believer and was baptized into faith, September 11, 1994. He became a member of the Mountain View Methodist Church in Mena, at that time.
Survivors are his Mother, Regina Walker; brother, Kyle Walker (Marlene); niece, Dori Walker; Nephew, Alden Maywald (Macy); Uncle, Brent Shrader (Becky); Aunt, Dixie Shrader, all of Mena, in addition to a great niece and nephew, several cousins, and Ethan Wayne Kelly (son by choice).
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Dale Walker; maternal grandparents Addis and Clarica Shrader; paternal grandparents Dewey and Florence Walker, Uncles: Bobby Jo Norris, Rodney Norris, David Walker and Kent Shrader; Aunts: Kathy Shrader and Cloma Walker.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Waldron High School Auditorium on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at the Pinecrest Cemetery in Mena at 2:00 P.M. Pallbearers will be: Daniel Fielding, Chris Lipham, Dan Breshears, Keith Brigance, Josh Clemmer, Ron Metcalf, Ethan Millard and Cody Parks. Honorary pallbearers: Faculty and Staff of the Waldron School District.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Waldron School District Preschool Activity Fund, 1560 West 6th Street, Waldron, AR 72958
Online condolences may be sent at www.martinfuneralhomes.com.
Published November 10, 2023
Arkansas Democrat/Gazette
Ryan graduated from Mena High School in 1995 and attained an Associates of Arts in Business Administration from Rich Mountain Community College (UofA Rich Mountain) and transferred to the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Post Master Certificate in Building Level Administration and completed coursework for District Level Administration. He also completed the Master Principal Program through the Arkansas Leadership Academy. Ryan has held various positions in the Waldron School District the past 21 years, from classroom teacher to Director of Finance, Facilities & Administration to Elementary and Early Childhood Principal to Adventure Online Academy Principal.
Over the past 16 years, he has built the ABC/First Step Program to what it is today, through grant writing and support of the school district. During his tenure as principal of Waldron Elementary, they were designated as a School of Innovation by the Arkansas Department of Education. Through The Better Chance Program, they also received the School of the Year Award from Frog Street Press. In the past, he served as an adjunct faculty member for UofA Rich Mountain teaching Adult Education and was currently teaching Adult Education for the Fort Smith Public Schools in Waldron.
In 2020, he was awarded the RMCC/UARM Outstanding Alumni Award. He always supported his beloved Razorbacks, as displayed in his office, and loved to travel, even if it was just in "Big Red" down a long backroad drive. A memorable and humbling mission trip with the First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, to Quito, Ecuador, was his longest journey.
Through his entrepreneurial spirit and utilizing his Business Degree, he was co-owner of Nook & Cranny Gifts & More in Waldron, for the past 13 years, Principal of Bootstrap Investments, LLC, The Uptown Loft LLC-a planned historic B&B, and Allbaugh's Florist and Gifts, LLC both in the historic district of downtown Mena.
His Love for education began at an early age. His brother, Kyle, five years his senior, would bring home extra coloring pages and school work and Ryan would coax him into playing school. He had many wonderful teachers in the Mena School District who provided the foundation to become an educator. His love for helping children, especially the little ones, never wavered. His big heart, child-like spirit and mischievous side endeared him to many. Ryan was a long-time supporter of World Vision and has sponsored a child for years. He was president of the Waldron Boys and Girls Club for 4 years and on the board of directors for 3 years.
Ryan loved his family dearly, especially his niece, "Dori." He was a true believer and was baptized into faith, September 11, 1994. He became a member of the Mountain View Methodist Church in Mena, at that time.
Survivors are his Mother, Regina Walker; brother, Kyle Walker (Marlene); niece, Dori Walker; Nephew, Alden Maywald (Macy); Uncle, Brent Shrader (Becky); Aunt, Dixie Shrader, all of Mena, in addition to a great niece and nephew, several cousins, and Ethan Wayne Kelly (son by choice).
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Dale Walker; maternal grandparents Addis and Clarica Shrader; paternal grandparents Dewey and Florence Walker, Uncles: Bobby Jo Norris, Rodney Norris, David Walker and Kent Shrader; Aunts: Kathy Shrader and Cloma Walker.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Waldron High School Auditorium on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at the Pinecrest Cemetery in Mena at 2:00 P.M. Pallbearers will be: Daniel Fielding, Chris Lipham, Dan Breshears, Keith Brigance, Josh Clemmer, Ron Metcalf, Ethan Millard and Cody Parks. Honorary pallbearers: Faculty and Staff of the Waldron School District.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Waldron School District Preschool Activity Fund, 1560 West 6th Street, Waldron, AR 72958
Online condolences may be sent at www.martinfuneralhomes.com.
Published November 10, 2023
Arkansas Democrat/Gazette
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