William Francis Walker

On March 27, 2023, William Francis Walker, beloved husband, father and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 83 surrounded by his loved ones. William was born on August 18,1939, in Middletown, Connecticut to Marguerite (McCauley) and Bernard Walker. William was an Army warrior serving his country from 1956-1981 serving three tours in Vietnam, acquiring a purple heart. William loved his Army adventures! 

William met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Benitez in Alamogordo, NM. He hitchhiked during army leave from Connecticut to New Mexico to claim her as his own. They were married on September 9,1961. He was an extremely devoted husband to his queen for 61 years. They were blessed with 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

After his retirement from the army, he worked for civil service at WSMR and Holloman AFB. William was a born again Christian and served as a Deacon at his church. He loved his Lord and was so grateful for God’s grace upon him.

William was known for his Irish wit, green thumb, and the twinkle in his mischievous eyes. He was a strong yet tender man, happy-go-lucky and fun, steadfast and loyal, full of patience and kindness. He loved animals, especially dogs, cats and birds who he had whistling conversations with. William loved music, was a huge movie buff, liked reading, working on his family tree, and gardening. He will be remembered for that cup of coffee in his hand and his beautiful Wisteria vines!! Many do not know that William was a talented artist. He could draw portraits of people, loved painting ceramics, macramé, and once sculpted a full-sized lion out of snow for his children. He loved Christmas time and decorating for the holidays.

William had a long rich ancestral lineage (as far back as the 400s). Irish on his mother’s side and English, French, and Roman Monarchs along with 3 mayflower ancestors who established Dover colony settlement in New Hampshire and helped establish Massachusetts bay colony. His Irish family settled in Yonkers, New York and he grew up in New York City. He loved this city very much considering it his hometown, though he lived in several towns in Connecticut in his early years.

William is survived by his sweetheart, Elizabeth; his daughter, Yvette (Alan) Givens; son, Ron (Katie) Walker; grandchildren, Crystal Lyn (Joel) Rodriguez, Elizabeth (Jerod) Walker-Moore, Isaac Walker, Shannon Yvette Massey, Luke-Dakota (Travis) Massey, Myriah Sage Massey-Escajeda, Jordan Shiloh Massey, Jalan Lizette Givens-Massey, Shanniah Walker, and Tristan Woltz; great grandchildren, Miyah Douglass, Glenn Douglass, Brenden Douglass, Ezekiel Rodriguez, Enoch-Joel Rodriguez, Severiano Escajeda, Xander Juarez, Kapri Walker.

William is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Ann; his infant brother, Robert; and his daughter Melissa Walker.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Alamogordo Funeral Home Chapel.

The Funeral Service for William Walker will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, April 3, 2023, at Alamogordo Funeral Home Chapel with Michael Benitez officiating.

Burial will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery with Elias Benitez officiating. Full Military Honors will be presented.

Pallbearers include his grandsons and honorary pallbearers will be Seth Hernandez, Alan Givens, Jeffery Massey, and Bobby Armstrong. 

In lieu of flowers, in honor of his memory, William would be happy if you could adopt a furry friend or plant something special that will bring you joy this spring.

The Walker family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Francis Walker, please visit our floral store.