Charles H. 'Charlie' Walker

May 6, 1942 - July 30, 2009

HAYES CENTER -- Charles H. "Charlie" Walker of rural Hayes County died Thursday, July 30, 2009, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He fought a courageous battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.

On May 6, 1942, he was born in Hayes County to Lawrence William and Effie Laura (Evans) Walker. Charlie grew up in Hayes County and graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1960, and attended Kearney State College.

He married Sara Mae Utterback in Curtis on Sept. 21, 1969. To this union two children, Raymond and Rajeana were born.

Charlie ranched and raised Black Angus cattle. He worked for the Kugler Fertilizer Plant from 1996 until now. He was on a number of boards including the County Extension Board, the County Fair Board, and the Farm Bureau Board. He helped out with the Hayes County Fair for numerous years.

He was a member of the Evergreen Union Church. He loved his family and especially enjoyed his grandson Taylor.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Gerald Utterback and James Utterback; and sister-in-law, Dorene Utterback.

Survivors include his wife, Sara Mae and son, Raymond Walker of rural Hayes County; a daughter, Rajeana Saathoff and boyfriend, John Karkruff of North Platte; a grandson, Taylor James Walker; a brother, Cletis "Pete" Walker of rural Hayes Center; and a sister Marjory (Raymond) Floyd of Douglas, Wyo.; four sisters-in-law, Roberta (Glenn) Hinton, Erma (Lloyd) Pfeiffer, Joyce Utterback and Marty Utterback all of Arapahoe; and a brother-in-law, Paul Utterback of Arapahoe; and several nieces and nephews and close family friend Joye Samuelson..

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook at 11 a.m., with Johnny Walker officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be today until 6 p.m. and Tuesday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of arrangements.