Herbert Morgan Walker, age 87

Herbert Morgan Walker, age 87, of Forest City and Ellenboro, NC passed away on March 5, 2015.

Herbert was born in Ellenboro, NC on September 1, 1927. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Morgan Walker, and his mother, Estelle Proctor Walker, and two brothers, Paul Dixon Walker (P.D.) and Robert Charles Walker.

He is survived by his former wife, Doris May Walker, a resident at the Forest City Health and Rehabilitation Center.  He is also survived by his daughter, Christine Iwerks and her husband Roger of Forest City, one grandson, Christopher Iwerks of Forest City, and one granddaughter Kristin Iwerks, a student at Western Carolina University. He is also survived by his sister, Janie Higgins of Bostic, and two brothers; Thomas of Forest City and Joel of Rutherfordton. He has three nephews, seven nieces, and several grandnephews and grandnieces and cousins.

Mr. Walker was a disabled veteran of WW II, having served in the Philippines, Italy, and Germany. Before being drafted in the U.S. Army, he worked as a teenager at the Loray (Firestone) Mill in Gastonia, NC.  After being discharged from the Army in the early 1950s, he worked briefly on the railroad in Georgia and then was hired by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) as a communications operator supporting the early space program (NASA). He later worked for the Merita Bread Company as a re-tail store manager for 20 years in Hialeah, Florida. He then moved back to Ellenboro and attended Isothermal Community College where he earned an Associate’s Degree. He then worked in various jobs before his retirement.

Mr. Walker loved his family, gardening, and he was an avid reader, especially historical biographies. He enjoyed attending his Army unit’s reunions when he was still able to travel and renew acquaintances with some of his Army buddies. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The memorial Service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Forest City with Reverend Dr. J. O'Neil Haynes officiating.

Memorials may be made to Charles George VA Medical Center (Hospice Care), 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC. 28805 or First United Church, 341 East Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043.

Padgett and King Mortuary in is in charge of arrangements.