February 1945 – April 2018
Anthony “Tony” Walker told his last inappropriate joke on Sunday, April 15, 2018, which cannot be printed here. Tony is survived by his overly-patient wife of 46 years, Dorothy. He is also survived by his daughters Jennifer Hanshew and Joanna Striplin; son Derek Walker; sons-in-laws Craig Hanshew and Titus Striplin; grandchildren Elijah, Evan and Annika; brothers Greg and Gary Walker; granddogs; a hairy spider; a rubber snake; and an old crow.
Tony graduated from Stagg High School in Stockton, California whereby a teacher or two coincidentally retired upon his graduation. He attended California State University, Sacramento and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism refining his ability to BS and master the red editing pen. His children have been scarred by it.
Tony was drafted and served in the U.S. Army, initially stationed in Hawaii, and could be found on the corner of Walk and Don’t Walk in “Wacky Wacky.” He is a Vietnam veteran and received a Bronze Star for his honor and bravery.
Tony was a production assistant and personal chauffeur to John Huston during the filming of Fat City. His career as a muckraker began for the Manteca Bulletin and concluded with the Modesto Bee. During his midlife crisis, Tony changed careers to become the Public Information Officer for Turlock Irrigation District. Tony was well known as the owner of Wellington Station, turned 10 East Kitchen & Tap House.
Tony enjoyed boating, fishing, RVing to all the corners of the U.S.A. and Canada, tormenting his children and almost drowning one when teaching him to water ski, correcting the Turlock Journal’s grammar (see red pen), telling stories and jokes, terrifying people with fake reptiles and amphibians, hanging out with friends and strangers at his favorite watering hole, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Services will be Monday, April 30th. Mass at 3 p.m. at All Saints University Parish, 4040 McKenna, Turlock. Reception and Celebration of Life to follow at 5 p.m. at the Denair Community Center, 3850 N. Gratton Road, Denair. You are welcome to join us for one or both services.
Memorial donations in Tony’s name can be made to Community Hospice at hospiceheart.org, or your favorite watering hole, where you are instructed to raise a toast and tell a few stories of the great Tony Walker.
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Penny Brackett says
April 30, 2018 at 3:11 pmTony joined The Modesto Ridge Runners Dune Buggy Club on a run in Bridgeport and Hawthorne for a great time. After the event he wrote an article with a picture in the Modesto Bee it was a good remembrance of the event, Thank you Tony! May you rest in Peace. Penny Brackett
Joe ipsarou says
April 28, 2018 at 2:44 amCondolences Dorothy and family. I have many fond memories of when Tony and me were rivals, Tony with the Modesto Bee and me as a young reporter with the Turlock Journal. Though Tony more often than not got the best of me we became good friends. He taught me a thing or two about reporting.
Tony and me raised a lot of glasses together the few years I was in Turlock. I’ll be sure to raise one in his memory.
RJ Moriconi says
April 27, 2018 at 6:52 pmMany fond memories of my times with the Walker family during the days of the Campus Catholic Community and Fr. Richard Forti. I extend very positive thoughts of caring and sympathy to Dorothy and family. Sincerely
Peggy Jenkin says
April 27, 2018 at 5:06 pmDear Dorothy and family,
I didn’t know Tony, but know that he will be missed by so many friends and family members. I am so sorry for your loss of such a dear husband. May your family and friends support you with love and care. And may Jesus be your spiritual savior through your grief.
Myron Larson says
April 25, 2018 at 2:52 amI had the honor and privilege to know Tony for over 30 years, first when he was a journalist and thourout the rest of his life. I always had the utmost respect for Tony, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam war, a patriot with a fair and reasoned view of America. Hangin’ with Tony was always a joy. His keen mind and sharp wit would take you away from even the worst day that you might have. Tony was the type of guy you looked forward to seeing again. He will be greatly missed.