Karl Reed Walker, 87

Karl Reed Walker, 87, Post Falls, Idaho, passed away on Oct. 30, 2010, at home from natural causes.

Reed was born Feb. 28, 1923, in Syracuse, Utah, to Joseph John Walker and Anna Laura Steed-Walker. He was the youngest of four children. Preceding him in death was Golden Walker, Bernice Walker-Taylor, and Joseph Walker.

The Walker family moved to from Syracuse to Salt Lake, Utah, when Reed was young; where he graduated from West High School and went on to earn a bachelor of science degree from the University of Utah. Reed was drafted into the military and proudly served 51 missions as a tail gunner on a B-24 Liberator in World War II, flying out of Italy.

Reed was also a gifted musician, starting with the bass in the Utah Symphony while still a senior in high school and from there playing in the National, Chicago, and Spokane symphonies and he even toured with Arthur Fiedler’s Boston Pops. As a music teacher in the Granite School District of Salt Lake, Utah, he enjoyed educating students from elementary through high school, gave private bass lessons, and conducted the Youth Symphony of Spokane, Wash. As circumstances changed, Reed excelled at the bass cleft instruments such as the tuba, bass fiddle and cello. Over the course of his career, he held the prestigious position as first chair many times, and sang in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

On Dec. 20, 1963, Karl Reed Walker married Donna Gayle Thomas at the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City. They were blessed with two daughters, Laura Ann Walker in 1966 and Anita Walker in 1970. The family of four moved from Salt Lake City to Spokane in 1970, where Reed played in the Spokane Symphony and sold real estate.

By 1976, Reed and Gayle decided to settle in rural North Idaho outside of Spirit Lake and develop family land. Reed successfully developed three complete subdivisions over the coming years.

Most recently, Reed was a member of the LDS Post Falls Second Ward. Over the years, he held a number of positions in service to the church as a counselor to two Bishops, Teacher, Music Director. His favorite position was teaching the primary children.

Karl Reed Walker is survived by his wife, Gayle Walker of Post Falls, Idaho; daughter, Laura Manson and husband, Chris; daughter, Anita Walker and fiancé, Christopher; and by nephews, Lynn Walker, Murray Walker, Kenneth Taylor, and Robert Taylor. Reed was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Ryan Wagner, Adrian Grimes, Tyler Wagner, Nicholas Manson, and Jocelyn Walker.

Viewing will start at noon on Nov. 4, 2010, with the funeral service directly following at 2 p.m. at the LDS Chapel, at 1824 E 16th Ave., Post Falls, Idaho. Please call English Funereal Home of Post Falls, Idaho for more information, (208) 664-3143.

The Walker family would like to express deep gratitude and appreciation for the love and support of the LDS Post Falls Second Ward, friends, and neighbors.