Leonard Charles Walker

Leonard Charles Walker, 78, of Gentry, AR, known affectionately as “Bud” or Buddy” to those who knew him, entered eternal rest on January 23, 2025, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, AR surrounded by his loved ones. Born on January 22, 1947, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Leonard D. Walker and Leota Slusher Flowers, Buddy lived a life devoted to his faith, family, and community. Buddy was a loving husband to Patricia for 48 years, a devoted father to his children, and a proud grandfather. He lovingly imparted the values of faith, kindness, and service to his family, leaving a legacy of spiritual strength and compassion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard D. Walker and Leota Slusher Flowers, and his sister, Linda Bryant. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Joesph D. (Alyssa) Walker and Rachel E. (Matthew) Gatewood; his grandchildren, Mason Bridges Walker and Oceana Rogers; his brother, Larry (Debbie) Walker; his sister, Carol (Mark) Jenkins; his mother-in-law, Erma Hayre Blackburn; his in-laws, Lynda (Michael) Kittle and Mark (Karel) Hayre, and an extended family full of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. A man of unwavering faith, Buddy found great joy and strength in his relationship with the Lord. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School and proudly attended Bacone College in Muskogee, OK, and Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, MO. Buddy was a proud and involved member of his local churches no matter where he moved, and he lived his life as a testament to God’s love and grace. His favorite scripture, “[Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’ John 14:6 (NASB)],” served as a guiding principle in his life. Buddy was a proud author of many books, published under the name L.C. Walker, which ranged from Christian fiction and Bible commentaries to short stories and murder mysteries. Buddy authored more than fifteen novels in his life, a lifelong goal realized. This all began with a desire to share more about the end times and the book of Revelation. This allowed Buddy to minister to others, stressing the importance of Salvation—a subject he was happy to bring up with anyone he encountered throughout his life. Buddy wasn’t always so serious; in fact, he had a silly side and could often be found playing with or teasing kids (and adults!) at family gatherings. He loved God’s creatures, specifically horses and German Shepherds, and somehow, neighborhood cats always managed to “adopt” him, whether he wanted them to or not. All will greatly miss Buddy, but his loved ones take comfort in knowing he is now in the arms of his Savior. A celebration of Buddy’s life will be held at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs, AR. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 30th from 6-8pm, with a memorial service following on Friday, January 31st at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International to donate bibles in remembrance of Buddy, helping to spread the Word and making disciples of all nations. “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” — Matthew 25:21 NKJV

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Leonard Charles Walker

January 22, 1947 - January 23, 2025