Tony Kent Walker of Eureka Springs, Ark., born March 7, 1958 in Walnut Ridge, Ark., son of Vernie and Patsy Ruth (Manus) Walker. He departed this life surrounded by his family on Monday, August 28, 2017 in Eureka Springs at age 59.
TONY WAS JUST PLAIN COOL!
He was a man of many talents; woodworker, craftsman, builder, but above all else he had a passion was music. Tony was a drummer first and foremost, but could pick up any instrument and jam with anybody in any style or any genre. Tony learned to play drums at the age of five. He has played with countless musicians and been in countless bands. Tony leaves behind many brothers and sisters in his music family. He was a member of The Ariels for 29 years. We know he is jammin’ and rockin’ with his group of brothers that were waiting for him – Charles Hammer, Mike “Wildcat” Alexander, Chris Amussen, Max Elbo, Doug Moore & Brad Allee… (they needed their drummer.)
Tony has a 40-year history of giving to the community he loved. He was always eager to lend his many talents for someone in need, playing hundreds of benefits to memorial services, any community event, schools, etc. Tony passionately shared his love of music with countless young musicians and taught them about “The Pocket.” His music legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Aside from his talents and hobbies, Tony was a loving family man, a devoted husband, father, son, brother and grandpa. He loved his big ol’ family more than anything else. He absolutely loved taking them all to concerts, on vacations, camping trips and so much more, just to see his family having fun and loving life! Rock on, Grandpa!
On Dec. 12, 1987, he was united in marriage to Lana Jewel (Sullivan) Walker, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, son, Joel Walker and wife, Caringtan, of Eureka Springs; daughter, B.J. Allee and husband, Josh, of Eureka Springs; daughter, Amanda Lindsey and husband, Justin, of Eureka Springs; mother, Patsy Walker of Berryville; sister, Teresa Griffith and husband, Pat, of Eureka Springs; his brother by choice Daniel Lloyd; eight grandchildren, Tyler Allee, Tanner Allee, William Allee, Hallie White, AnaBella Allee, Olivia Lindsey, Wyatt Kent Walker and Wynndle Walker; three great-grandchildren, Adalynn Pena Allee, Gracynn Allee and Tripp Allee; many nieces, nephews, cousin and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Vernie Walker and two brothers, Larry Walker and Gary “Bo” Walker.
A Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017 at Lake Leatherwood (lower meadow), Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. Memorial donations may be made to The Eureka Springs High School Music Dept., 2 Lake Lucerne Rd, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2017