PAUL EUGENE WALKER

Paul Eugene Walker was born on June 21, 1937 in Newbern, TN. He was the son of Harold Eugene Walker and Alma Fay Alexander Walker.

The Lord called him home in Caruthersville, on October 27, 2017. He was 80 years old.

He graduated from Caruthersville High School in 1955.

On June 15, 1958, he was united in marriage to Shelby Jean Privett at First Baptist Church in Caruthersville. They and 59 adventurous and fun filled years together.

In 1955 Paul enlisted in the United States Navy from his hometown of Caruthersville, and proudly served for 25 years as a radioman/cryptographic technician. He initially served on the USS Gudgeon, the first US submarine to circumnavigate the globe. He then served on the USS Scorpion and was a part of the commission crew for this submarine. He next moved on to complete a total of five patrols on the USS Benjamin Franklin. During the Cuban missile crisis, Paul was part of the CINCLANT fleet. He then completed two tours of duty in Naples, Italy. After his work in Europe, he was transferred to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland to serve as command master chief under Admiral Kinnard McKee. Paul completed his military career in Hawaii as command Master chief third fleet, again with Admiral Kinnard McKee.

After retiring from the Navy, Paul and Shelby moved to Caruthersville, where he worked with his father as an auto technician at H and W Auto Electric. Paul and Shelby were very involved in the submarine vets association, attending conventions and traveling with good friends. There were many, many practical jokes played amongst this group. It was truly a brotherhood and sisterhood among these retired submarine sailors.

Paul loved RVing, and was an avid reader-particularly about military history. He was a member of the Lion’s club for over 35 years, serving as president, vice president, secretary, and Bingo chairman. It was because of his dedication and electronic skills that the Lion’s club was able to develop Channel 7, Lion’s Club TV.

Paul was a devoted and faithful member of First Baptist Church.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, his daughter Kathryn Steadman, a brother, Bobby Walker, and a sister, Norma Linsman.

He is survived by his wife, Shelby Walker, one daughter, Kelly Harden and her husband, Michael of Jackson, TN, his son-in-law, retired marine Michael Steadman, of Middletown, CT, six grandchildren, Christy Armstrong, Laurel Jones, Amanda Haesaert, Chelsea Harden, Mackenzie Steadman, and Cameron Steadman, three great-granddaughters, Haley Jones, Maggie Jones, and Anna Kate Jones, one great-grandson, Dillon Jones, many other relatives and friends all over the globe.

Pallbearers were Slugger Hudgens, Jerry Hudgens, Dennie Green, Franklin, Linsman, and Nick Cartee, Tony Linsman, and Pete Meales. Serving as honorary pallbearers were members of the Caruthersville Lions Club.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.