Albert Van “A.V” Walker
August 19, 1933 – February 6, 2026
Funeral Services for Albert Van “A.V.” Walker will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Sweetwater Baptist Church in Quitman, Louisiana at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
A.V. was born on August 19, 1933 in Bienville, Louisiana. He was the oldest of twelve children born to A.B. and Mazie Walker who preceded him in death. He earned his wings on February 6, 2026.
He married Allie Bell Williams Walker on July 27, 1952. They were married 68 years before she preceded him in death in January, 2021. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, John Walker, Harold Walker, Earl Walker, Winston Walker, and David Gayle Walker and his sister, Essie Walker.
To say that A.V. lived life to the fullest is an understatement. As a child, he traveled with his family to the state of Washington to pick produce to help earn income for their very large family. He never stopped working.
After he married Allie Bell, they moved to the State of Washington where he was a farmer for Del Monte. It is there he developed a life-long distain for asparagus, but he never lost his love for farming. Their marriage was blessed with seven children.
When they moved back to Louisiana, he started a job with the State of Louisiana, Louisiana Department Of Natural Resources, Office of Foresty as a Forestry Fire Fighter. He ultimately served as District Manager for the Louisiana Forest Service and a Forest Ranger. It was a job he loved. He spent many hours sitting on the top of the Vernon Fire Tower keeping watch over the community he cared so much for. A.V. was the last of the “true” Forest Rangers employed by the State. While employed, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Forestry and was certified in Public Relations from Ouachita Valley Technical Institute.
After he retired from the State of Louisiana following 34 years of service, A.V. worked for Kenny Jeane Seed And Nursery picking up seeds, planting them, and shipping the seeds or saplings all over the United States.
However, he ended his career with the job that he loved the most, commercial fishing. He purchased his home away from home, a camp on Black Lake. During that time he spent hours casting his nets, cleaning fish, and selling them with his camp buddies. The grandchildren loved spending time with Paw Paw A at the camp.
It is well known throughout the community that A.V. was an avid and skilled hunter. He spent many hours sitting on a deer stand waiting for the next big buck. However, we will not talk about the “big buck” he shot on the way to church one Sunday, so don’t ask. Even during the hunting season which just ended, when able, he would go out and sit on the porch hoping to see a deer.
It is also well known throughout the community that A.V. was a jokester. The children, in-laws, and grandchildren all expected his pranks. He had several regulars like the grass on the back of the neck or the shoulder tap and run.
A.V. overcame many health obstacles as he has fought cancer for many years, including skin cancer. The skin cancer took a toll on his outward appearance but never took his spirit. This was apparent later in life when he was facing having to retire from fishing. He had an appointment with his doctor who told him his lungs would no longer allow him to fish. He told his doctor he had the perfect cure for that problem. He got up, walked out, and said he would just have to find another doctor.
A.V.’s greatest legacy is his family which started with his wife, Allie Bell and their seven children. His love for family and all things outdoors has been passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Left to cherish his memory are his oldest son, Wayne Walker who lives in Vernon. Daughter Susie Klinger who was married to Jim Klinger, until his death, who lives in Yukon, Oklahoma. Son, Donald Walker and his wife Sheila who live in Choudrant, Louisiana. Son, Robert Walker and his wife, Tammy who live in Dubach, Louisiana. Their daughter, Kay Walker Lightfoot. Daughter, Joyce Sewell and her husband Dink, who live in Coushatta, Louisiana. His youngest child, Leo Walker and wife Christy, who live in Vernon, Louisiana.
His fifteen grandchildren: Karl Klinger, James Klinger, Holly Walker, Jonathan Walker, Tonya Walker, Nathan Walker (and wife Kelly) , Ben Walker, Rocky Pelham, A.J. Pelham, Sky Pelham, Kimberly Franks (and husband Daniel), Danielle Anderson, Gracie Johnson (and husband Marcus), Nick Walker (and wife Heather) and Alex Walker (and wife Haley).
His fifteen great grandchildren: Callie Book, Ellis Davis, Bryson Walker, Lance Haywood, Addilyn Franks, Anne Franks, Brookley Allen, Christopher Raspberry , Austyn Shell, Abel Johnson, Riata Johnson, Trinity Johnson, Wyatt Walker, Jackson Walker, and Caroline Walker.
His three great-great grandchildren.
Also left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Ralph Walker, Royce Walker, and Max Walker and his sisters, Bessie Williams and Floyce Ray Smith. And a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
In his final days, A. V. made it clear to the family that he ready and at peace with his homegoing. As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God. Psalm 42:1.
Serving as pallbearers are his grandsons: Nathan Walker, Ben Walker, Nick Walker, and Alex Walker. Also serving as pallbearers are his nephews: Perry Williams and Jessie Williams.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are his grandsons Karl Klinger and James Klinger.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their visits, prayers and support.
Freddy Wayne Cook
January 7, 1941 – February 8, 2026
Freddy Wayne Cook passed away in Ruston, Louisiana, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the age of 85. A lifelong outdoorsman, Freddy found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of country living. He took pride in tending his vegetable garden and could often be found casting a line in pursuit of white perch, savoring the peace and quiet of the water. Freddy also had a special talent for bringing old tractors back to life, enjoying the challenge and satisfaction of repairing and restoring them.
He treasured the many hours he spent riding his side-by-side through the countryside with his faithful canine companion, “Gizmo,” by his side. Freddy will be remembered as a hardworking, resourceful man who deeply appreciated the outdoors and the companionship of both friends and animals.
Freddie is survived by his daughter, Melanie (Cook) Bryant (Wendall); granddaughter, Mallory Hall (Chad); great-granddaughters, Macie Caskey (Micah) and Chloe Hall; siblings, John Harley Cook and Nelwyn Noland.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Montez Cook; father, Harley Cook; and mother, Cloise (Fowler) Cook.
A graveside service will be held at Garden of Memories in Jonesboro on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home. Chad Hall will conduct the graveside service.
Pallbearers will be Gary Hill, Terry Terrill, Charlie Brown, Rusty Autrey, Ray Duck and Jeremy Davis.
Antonio Lee West
July 30, 1961 – February 3, 2026
Antonio Lee West went to be with the Lord on February 3, 2026 at the age of 64 years old. A Public Viewing will be held from 2:00 – 6:00 pm on Friday, February 13, 2026 in the Paradise Funeral Home Jonesboro Chapel with the Life Celebration service following at 1:00 pm on Saturday under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.