Vernon Roy Walker

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Vernon Roy Walker, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and servant. Vernon passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 89, in his home in Greer, SC, where he had lived for over 20 years.

A visitation to celebrate Vernon’s life will be held on June 22, 2025 at 2:00 pm, at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas. All who knew Vernon are invited to join the family in honoring his memory and the legacy that he leaves. Please drop in and tell stories about all the good times Vernon shared with us. 

Born on February 2, 1936, in Nimrod, Texas, to Eugene and Snova Walker before moving to Rising Star, Texas, where he graduated from high school in 1954. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. After his service, he attended Cisco Junior College and later studied at Tarleton State University.

In the spring of 1960, Vernon met the love of his life, Marianne Myrick, at the local Dairy Queen in Eastland, Texas. They married on October 14, 1961. In November of 1967, they adopted their daughter Jaime and raised her in the home they built in Eastland.

He began his career in Eastland with the Texas Highway Department, where he dedicated many years of service before eventually retiring. However, his lifelong passion was umpiring and refereeing ballgames. For over 60 years, "Pop" Walker could be found behind the plate on a baseball or softball field, running up and down the basketball court, or officiating football games. Over his lifetime, he called more than 40,000 games, leaving a lasting impact on the youth of Eastland, Texas, and beyond. Known for his fairness and love of the game, he served as president of Eastland's baseball leagues in the late 1980s, overseeing the fields and concession stand. When not officiating, he was in the stands, cheering for Jaime at her games. He was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers and later became a devoted supporter of the Clemson Tigers. He once told the Abilene Reporter-News that he would die behind the plate, and as his illness progressed, he never stopped sharing stories about his time officiating.

Vernon was also a dedicated servant to his community. In Eastland, he volunteered at the Senior Center, always ready to help others. After moving to North Carolina in 2000 to be near Jaime and her family, he continued his service at the Senior Citizens Center and was honored with the North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. In 2005, Vernon and Marianne moved to Greer, SC, where they lived for the past 20 years. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Eastland, TX, and later, Brushy Creek Baptist Church in Taylors, SC.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife, Marianne; his daughter, Jaime Lovello (Mark); his granddaughter, Kaylin Moore (Caleb); his great-grandchildren, Bryar (8) and Sage (3); his sister, Wanda Burns (Ronny); and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Eastland Sports Organization online at https://www.eastlandsportsorganization.com/ or by drop off at First Baptist Church, Eastland, Texas or to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate .