Debbie Walker

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Deborah S Walker, age 62, passed away at 9:03 pm, Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin ,MO following an illness.


Debbie was born January 14, 1954 in Baxter Springs, KS. Her parents were John and Margie (Heistand) Jones. She was a lifetime resident of Southeast Kansas

She graduated from Riverton High School with the class of 1972. She then attended Pittsburg State University earning a Master’s Degree in Music Education. She began her teaching career in Williamsburg, KS. She later taught in school districts at Ft Scott, Cherokee, and Galena. She returned back to teach at Cherokee until her retirement in 2008. After retirement she worked as a substitute teacher in area schools.

She was a pianist. She enjoyed collecting buttons, butterflies, and belsinckers. She enjoyed going to flea markets, auctions, and garage sales.

Debbie was married to Frank Walker on April 11, 1981 in Columbus, KS. He survives.

Additional survivors include one son, Jon Walker, Columbus; one daughter, Vanessa Neher (husband, Jeremy), Oronogo, MO; her mother, Margie Heistand, Columbus; and one sister, Shirley Thompson (husband, Daryell), Columbus.

Her father, John Jones preceded her in death in 2003.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, KS. Pastor Larry Perry will officiate. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Columbus. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Mercy Hospital in care of the funeral home.