Community pays tribute to Sgt. Walker
Lead Summary
By
The Highland County Press-
Sgt. Donald "Donnie" Walker of the Highland County Sheriff's Office was laid to rest Friday, as local business owners, employees and citizens lined High Street to pay tribute to the fallen officer.
Sgt. Walker, 52, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 2. He served 22 years with the Highland County Sheriff's Office and was formerly employed as an auxiliary officer with the Hillsboro Police Department.
“We are all in disbelief at what occurred and have been reminded of how precious life is and how it may end without notice,” Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward said.
“Donnie was a veteran deputy sheriff and loyal employee, and will be sadly missed by all of the staff of the Highland County Sheriff’s Office.”
Among Sgt. Walker’s survivors are his wife, Donna Lynn Barker Walker, to whom he was married May 28, 1982; four sons, Eric, Ryan, James, and Chad Walker, all of Hillsboro; and his parents, James L. and Phyllis A. Walker of Hillsboro.
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Sgt. Walker's funeral was held Friday at 11 a.m. at Southern State Community College Patriot Center, with interment taking place at the New Market Baptist Cemetery.
The funeral procession passed under an American flag above High Street near the Paint Creek Joint Fire/EMS District's building. The flag was held by ladders of the Hillsboro and Fayetteville Fire Departments.
The Highland County Board of Commissioners, Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer, commended Sgt. Donnie Walker for his many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Highland County. In Sgt. Walker's memory and honor, the Highland County Courthouse flag was also lowered to half-staff on the date of his interment.
"Sgt. Walker has worked devotedly and selflessly on behalf of the people of this county, regardless of the peril or hazard to himself, and by his patriotic service and his dedicated efforts, has earned the gratitude of Highland County," commissioners said.
"The heroism and bravery of this officer is recognized and appreciated by the citizens of Highland County."
The Turner Funeral Home of Hillsboro is serving the family. To sign the online registry, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.
Sgt. Walker, 52, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 2. He served 22 years with the Highland County Sheriff's Office and was formerly employed as an auxiliary officer with the Hillsboro Police Department.
“We are all in disbelief at what occurred and have been reminded of how precious life is and how it may end without notice,” Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward said.
“Donnie was a veteran deputy sheriff and loyal employee, and will be sadly missed by all of the staff of the Highland County Sheriff’s Office.”
Among Sgt. Walker’s survivors are his wife, Donna Lynn Barker Walker, to whom he was married May 28, 1982; four sons, Eric, Ryan, James, and Chad Walker, all of Hillsboro; and his parents, James L. and Phyllis A. Walker of Hillsboro.
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Sgt. Walker's funeral was held Friday at 11 a.m. at Southern State Community College Patriot Center, with interment taking place at the New Market Baptist Cemetery.
The funeral procession passed under an American flag above High Street near the Paint Creek Joint Fire/EMS District's building. The flag was held by ladders of the Hillsboro and Fayetteville Fire Departments.
The Highland County Board of Commissioners, Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer, commended Sgt. Donnie Walker for his many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Highland County. In Sgt. Walker's memory and honor, the Highland County Courthouse flag was also lowered to half-staff on the date of his interment.
"Sgt. Walker has worked devotedly and selflessly on behalf of the people of this county, regardless of the peril or hazard to himself, and by his patriotic service and his dedicated efforts, has earned the gratitude of Highland County," commissioners said.
"The heroism and bravery of this officer is recognized and appreciated by the citizens of Highland County."
The Turner Funeral Home of Hillsboro is serving the family. To sign the online registry, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.