Gary Wayne Walker, 82, of Meridian, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve. Gary was born September 10, 1943, in Nampa, Idaho, to Edward LaMar Walker and Helen Hughes Walker. He was one of seven children.

During his growing-up years, the family lived in Caldwell, Idaho, where he helped his father work the farm. Gary loved the Lord, and at the age of 19, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Rarotonga Cook Islands Mission. He cherished his mission and the Māori people, and he shared stories from that time throughout his life.

After returning home, he met his sweetheart, Kathleen Maughan. They were married on March 23, 1966, in the Salt Lake Temple. Though they were married for 59 years, they were engaged on Christmas Eve 60 years ago. He is the loving father of seven children: Brett Walker (Apryll), Clint Walker (Tammy), Michelle Baumgart (Mark), Matt Walker (Dana), Jodi Callister (Brock), Patrice Seljaas (Mike), and Sean Walker (Heather).

Gary was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully throughout his life. He served as a Bishop, Stake President, Area Seventy, and as a Stake Patriarch for many years. He showed his love for the Lord in the way he served and ministered to others. A natural teacher, he freely shared his faith and testimony with both young and old.He loved the youth of the church, and they loved him. While serving as a Stake President, he sent out over 600 missionaries for full-time service. He loved the temple and, in his later years, completed extensive family history work and served alongside his dear wife in the Meridian Idaho Temple.

He taught his children to love the Lord and to serve Him. Their home was filled with his beautiful tenor voice, laughter, fun, stories, and music - always buoyed by his endless positivity. He was unfailingly kind and loved with a heart full of charity. He taught his children the value of hard work and the joy of lifelong learning. Gary was a prolific reader, gardener, fisherman, and photographer. He loved art, music, and cinema. His home was a welcome refuge to all who entered. He was a man filled with grace and mercy - one who gladly offered second, third, and fourth chances.

Gary is survived by his cherished wife; his seven children and their spouses; 39 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way. He is also survived by his beloved siblings: sisters Marla Goodrich, Janice Hall, and Lori Johnson; and brothers Dennis Walker, David Walker, and Kent Walker.

Services will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ustick Stake Center, 3775 East Ustick Rd, Meridian, Idaho. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30 –10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Meridian Cemetery in Meridian, Idaho. A livestream and Zoom will be available through Zeyer Funeral Chapel for those who cannot attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the LDS Missionary Fund.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to Zeyer Funeral Chapel of Nampa, Idaho, for their thoughtful attention to the needs of the Gary Walker family.