Robert Lewis 'Bob' Walker, 26 Feb 1934 - 25 Dec 2024

WALKER, BALDON, BUFFINGTON, MCALISTER, BRENNAN, HEITMAN, VAN DIEST, HEMINGSON, WILDE, ALEXANDER

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 1/3/2025 at 14:53:23

Robert (Bob) Lewis Walker, husband, father, farmer, and steward of the land, was born February 26, 1934, and died December 25, 2024, surrounded by family. He is remembered by his wife of 67 years, Loy, (Alice Loy Buffington Walker), four children, 16 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. All loved. All with different interests; all with an appreciation for making the most of life opportunities, seeded by Bob’s oft repeated: “You make your own luck.” Bob’s legacy is one of generosity, stewardship, an appreciation for the richness of Iowa soils, an affinity for education, and a belief that possibility partnered with industry creates opportunity.

Born in Kellerton, Iowa, to Lyman and Anna (Baldon) Walker, Bob attended a one-room country schoolhouse through the 8th grade, graduated Kellerton High School, and earned a B.S. in Farm Operations from Iowa State University in 1956. While at Iowa State, Bob was president of the Men’s Residence Association. In 1956 as an IFYE (International Farm Youth Exchange) participant, Bob traveled to Pakistan to learn about Pakistani farming practices and to share Midwestern agriculture expertise. As a Danforth Scholar, Bob attended a summer session at Washington University in St. Louis with students from the U.S. land grant universities. Melding interests in agriculture and in developing others’ talents, Bob began his working life as Youth Program Director in Ida and Boone counties. He was a key organizing force behind the Eastern Iowa Farm Business Association. He served as the Iowa County Extension Director from 1958-1961. In his work with the community, Bob introduced the Iowa Pork Producers and the Iowa Corn Growers to Iowa County, and MC’d many county fair hog shows. His roots in 4-H are honored annually with the Walker 4-H Scholarship.

Bob farmed in Iowa County for 64 years. He began his life’s work as an Iowa Farmer in December of 1960 when he and Loy rented 320 acres from Milford Langlas, aunt, and sister, south of Marengo. During the early years, Bob joined forces with neighboring farmers to share equipment — as was common practice. Additionally, Bob raised “mortgage lifters”, hogs.

As a farmer, Bob’s interest in agricultural equipment yielded multiple innovations, including the conception and commissioning of the first 400-bushel auger wagon now known as the Kinze wagon. He was also one of the first farmers to hitch two planters together to widen the reach across the field. Recognizing the need for ongoing agricultural research, Bob partnered with Iowa State University to establish the South East Iowa Research facility in Crawfordsville, Iowa. Thoughtful land management combined with financial expertise enabled Bob and Loy to weather 67 years of changes in the Ag industry and challenging economic cycles. Over time, the initial hog/soybean/corn operation grew, becoming Walker Acres Inc.

More than his work, as husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bob shared gumballs, jokes, and ‘truisms’, sometimes chuckling at his own wit. This Fall Bob prepared for the 2025 growing season — the seed corn is purchased and trusted farmers are ready to begin the Spring work. The fields, now resting fallow, will be planted. Another crop will be harvested.

Bob is survived by his wife, Loy (Alice Loy Buffington Walker) and four children:

Angela Walker McAlister (Terry), Westford, MA; children, Carter McAlister (Kevin Brennan), Georgia McAlister.

Theresa Walker Heitman (Loring), Williamsburg, IA; children, Bryce Heitman (Keirstin), Newton, IA and children, Elliot, Jordan, Ethan, and Claire; Brandt Heitman (Molly), Cedar Rapids, IA and children, Oliver and Everett.

Eric Lee Walker (Katie) of Narvon, PA; children Robert (CO), Amanda (MO), Grace (CO), Savannah, Madelynne, Cyrus, Benial, and Ardelia “Laura”.

Brett Alan Walker (Barb), Waverly, Iowa; children, Emily Van Diest (Jake) of Webster City, IA and children, Walker, Juliet, and Olivia; Hannah Hemingson (Tyler) of McCook Lake, SD, children, Eloise and Wyndolyn; Madison Wilde (Jake) of Eagle Grove, IA, daughter, Cecelia; and Seth Walker (Abigail) of Waterloo, IA.

Bob is survived by his brother, Lyman “Jay” Walker and his wife Ann of Texas. He is predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Louise Walker Alexander (Charles) and his brother, Barry Walker.

Bob served as a Lieutenant in the Army. Honors include: Outstanding Young Farmer, Parents of the Year, Iowa State University 1983; Grand River Watershed Outstanding Cooperators 2001 conservation award.

Memorials may be contributed to the United Methodist Church in Marengo or the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

Published in The Gazette on December 29, 2024.