BELLE ROSE, La. — Neal J. Walker Jr., 82, died peacefully at his home in Belle Rose, La., on Sept. 29, 2009, surrounded by family and friends. He was a Navy veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict after joining the Navy as a very young man.

Throughout his work career, he was employed by Spencer Chemical in Vicksburg and then transferred in 1968 to Gonzales, La., with Gulf Oil. He retired from Chevron with a combined 36 years of service. He greatly enjoyed 19 years of retirement.

Mr. Walker is survived by his wife, Celeste Walker; a son, Doug Walker and his wife, Debby; a daughter, Nannette Munoz; son-in-law, Henry Munoz; stepdaughter, Cindy Saucier and her husband, Keith; and stepsons, Wilson Cavalier and his friend, Arlene, and Terry Cavalier. Mr. Walker had 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by a brother, Dr. Gene Walker; a sister, Pauline Renfrow, her son, Barry, and his friend Melody Pickering; and an extended family of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marynette Hart Walker; his parents, Neal and Ollie Mae Walker; a son, Kenneth Walker; and brothers, Floyd (Bud) Walker and Paul Walker.

Neal had many hobbies, including searching for the latest Hot Wheels. He loved his dog, Chloe; his yard; and all wildlife that he fed daily. He also loved playing Santa for 11 years for various schools and functions.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Vicksburg from 11:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian burial at 1 p.m. with interment at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Jeffrey Walker, Richard Munoz and Matthew Walker; nephews: Barry Renfrow and Richard Smithhart; and brother-in-law and best friend: Eric Falcon Jr.

Sincere thanks to all who provided loving care during Neal’s illness. Special thanks to family friend Margaret Circello for all her kindness and compassion. Also thanks to Amedisys Home Health, especially Marcus, Ginny and Neal’s nurse, Iantha, and to Hospice.