Frank L. Walker, 100, of Falconer, NY died peacefully at home with family at his bedside on Friday, November 22, 2024. Frank was born on August 13, 1924 in Falconer to Frank S. and Lillian B. Walker.

He was a 1942 graduate of Falconer High School where he excelled in sports including football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, he played baseball (as catcher) with “Jamestown Bombers,” and basketball with the Jamestown Steel Partitions-sponsored team. He began working on the family farm with his father while still in high school.

On January 28, 1950 he married the love of his life, the late Mary E. Allen. Partners in life, love, and business they owned and operated their dairy farm, Walker Farm on Sprague Hill Road and raised Registered Holstein Cattle. Together with his sister and brother-in-law they also co-owned a grocery store in Kennedy. Sons Mike and Bruce joined Frank in the Walker Farm Partnership in 1981.

Frank and Mary were active in the Falconer United Methodist Church. Frank was an 86 year member of the Grange, was an original member of the WNY Crop Management Assn., a Chautauqua Co. Soil & Water Conservation Director, an 82 year member of the Chaut. Co. Holstein Assn., and a lifetime member of Farm Bureau.

Frank was the first recipient of Conservation Farmer of the Year Award in the early 1960’s. He was honored by the NYS Holstein Assn. in 1981 as Master Breeder, and was the 1986 recipient of Chaut. Co. Holstein Club Distinguished Breeder Award. The Chaut. Co. Soil & Water Conservation District honored him with a Distinguished Service Award and an Award of Merit. In 2018 Frank was honored at the 3rd Annual Chautauqua County Farmer-Neighbor Dinner as the first recipient of the Chaut. Co. Legacy Producer Award.

He was deeply involved in his community serving many years on Town of Poland Board of Assessment.

Frank and Mary enjoyed travel via the Cooperative Extension and the American Farm Bureau to numerous states coast to coast, as well as worldwide travel including Western Europe, Italy, Australia, Israel and Egypt with their church group.

Frank could and would talk to anyone; he was humorously dubbed “Speak Frank Frank” by son Bruce. He survived a devastating farm related injury at the age of 91 which forced him into early retirement.

Frank and Mary are survived by their 5 children: Vickie (Jim) Goodfellow, Kay (Dick) James, Mike (Pat) Walker, Burke Walker, and Bruce Walker. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren: Susan Goodfellow, Pam (Eric) Thomas, Jessica (Rusty) Rizzotte, Kate (Tom) Currie, Lucas (Jetta) Walker, Alex (Kimberly) Walker, Andy (Allison) Walker, Ashley (Dana) Miller, Amy (Kyle) Kessler, Chelsea (Andy) Constantino, Nick (Abigail) Walker, Evan Walker, Tyler Walker, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by Mary, his wife of nearly 67 years, sisters Virginia Perdue, Dorothy Sprague and Jean Hardigree, and newborn grandson Nathaniel Walker.

Calling hours will be held Friday December 6th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Falconer Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the funeral service Saturday in the church.

Frank’s funeral service will be held Saturday December 7th at 11 a.m. in the Falconer United Methodist Church. Following the funeral service Frank, with Mary’s cremains by his side, will be buried at the Levant Cemetery, Falconer, NY.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, Falconer First United Methodist Church, or the charity of one’s choice.