Robert Jerome Walker

A ceremony commemorating the life of Robert J. Walker, 63, of Sioux Falls, SD, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

Robert Jerome Walker was born on October 24, 1962, in Dallas, Texas to Robert and Marilyn (Bagwell) Walker. Robert attended Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving, Texas where he graduated in 1981 and was a proud member of the Cistercian Hawks football team. In 2011, he was inducted into the Cistercian Football All Decade Team 1980s. He enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served his country from 1982 – 1986. Following his service, he returned home to Dallas where he worked at International Claim Services as a bilingual customer service representative. In 1990, he met the love of his life playing coed softball, if you know the story it all started on a softball field. He and Nancy Vane were united in marriage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on August 1, 1992. Following their marriage, Robert farmed with Nancy’s father in rural Bellingham, Minnesota. The marriage was blessed with two sons, Christopher Jerome in 1993 and Nicholas Jerome in 1997.

In 1994, Robert returned to college at Southwest Minnesota State University and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He would later return and receive a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from SMSU and Educational Administrative K-12 Principal certificate from Saint Mary’s University.

Robert worked at the Marshall Independent School District for 15 years as a chemistry teacher, football and softball coach and vice principal. Robert made a great impact on the lives of many students and many times they would call from college asking for help with chemistry.

In 2013, the family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he worked for Goodwill of the Great Plains and for the last 8 years he worked as a Veteran’s Coordinator for Volunteers of America. He thoroughly enjoyed working with veterans and assisting them.

Robert also served twice as a guardian for the Midwest Honor Flight. In addition, he served on the Calm Waters board as their treasurer.

Robert was a great mentor and coach to his two boys. He was a cheerleader for his wife. He was a true and loyal friend to many. He loved and hated the Dallas Cowboys, cheered hard for the Texas Longhorns, was a foodie and excellent cook, and always dressed to the nines.

In late 2024, he was diagnosed with cancer. He handled this diagnosis with positivity and grace. In the last months, he was planful and wanted everything in place for his family.

Left to carry on Robert’s legacy are: Wife Nancy (Vane) Walker, children Christopher (Josie) Walker, Nicholas Walker, Grandson Major Jerome Walker and Fur Granddog Kota, Mother Marilyn Walker, Aunt Margie Hardwick, Cousins Ted, John (Laura and family), and Sam Hardwick, Brother-In-Law David Vane, nephews Peyton and Jonah (Holly and family) and of course his two beloved Dachshunds, Sadie and Stogie. Also, many friends who were like brothers and sisters to him

Robert is preceded in death with: His father Robert F. Walker, father and mother-in-law Bud and Verla Vane and Uncle Sam Harwick.

As always, Texas Fight and Hook ‘em Horns!!

Arrangements with Horvath Funeral Service Marshall, Minnesota 507.532.4522 www.horvathfuneralservice.com

And

George Boom Funeral Home, 3408 E. 10th St., Sioux Falls, South Dakota 605.336.1454 www.georgeboom.com