Mary Jane Walker (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Mary Jane Walker, daughter of Frank Tanner and Dorothy Beach Durkee, was born June 1, 1939, in Springfield, Massachusetts. She departed this life Saturday, November 3, 2012, in her home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-three years, five months, and two days.
In 1956, she was united in marriage to Rex L. Walker, Sr., whom she met at Westover Air Force Base, in Massachusetts. To this union one daughter and one son were born.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Mary is survived by a son, Rex L. Walker, Jr., and his wife, Sandra, of Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter, Gail Smith, of Buffalo, Missouri; two granddaughters, Tabitha and Sabrina Smith; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Frank Tanner Durkee, Jr., of Aberdeen, Washington; two nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, and then worked as an electronic technician for a few years. After she and Rex were married, they made their home in California for a time and lovingly raised their children. Mary then went to live with her brother, Frank T. Durkee, Jr. in Aberdeen, Washington, for several years. She later moved to Lebanon, Missouri, where she lived with her son and his wife.
Mary enjoyed attended the Laclede Cowboy Church and Community Baptist Church when her health would allow.
In her spare time she enjoyed camping with the family on the West Coast, and liked growing beautiful flowers, of which Zinnias were her favorite. She enjoyed watching wrestling on television and playing with her cat, “Sassy”. When she was able, she liked playing with the new born puppies in her son’s kennel.
Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout the years.
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