Judge Dee Brown Walker

Judge Dee Brown Walker

On April 27, 2006, Judge Dee Brown Walker died peacefully after a long battle from the effects of Diabetes.

Judge Walker was born December 3, 1912 in Royse City Texas to Lela B. Walker and Dee Alexander Walker. After loosing his father at a young age, he moved to Dallas with his mother and brother, A.C. Walker, where he attended and graduated from North Dallas High School in 1930.

Although it was difficult during the depression years Judge Walker received his Bachelor of Laws from Southern Methodist University in 1935. He was the last surviving member of that class.

Judge Walker was licensed to practice law in the State of Texas in 1935, was assistant to General Counsel of Southland Life Insurance Company, and formed the law firm of Dillard and Walker with his friend Robert L. Dillard.

Judge Walker was a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas serving as chairperson of the Grievance Committee from 1956 to 1962 as well as serving on the Committee on Revision of State Bar Rules on Grievance Procedure for one year. He was a Charter Member of the Dallas Bar Association, the Dallas County Criminal Bar Association and the Dallas County Bar Association. Additionally, he was a member of the Bar Association of the 5th Federal Circuit, American Judicature Society, Southwestern Legal Foundation, and SMU Alumni and Law School Alumni Associations. He was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity: Marshal, Taney Chapter and served nationally as Supreme Historian and Treasurer.

Judge Walker was a 50-year member and Past Master of Dallas Lodge No. 760 A. F. & A. M. He received the Golden Trowel Award in 1992. In addition, he was a Charter Member of Royse City Lodge No. 663, Claud L. Austin Lodge No. 1450 and was an associate member of many other Lodges throughout Dallas. He was a member of Dallas Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar, Texas York Rite College No. 14, Wise Master, Council of Rose Croix, Venerable Master, Dallas Lodge of Perfection, and 33° Inspector General Honorary. In 1976, he served as Deputy Grand Master, Masonic District 14E, Grand Lodge of Texas. He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron for Hillcrest Chapter No. 1000.

Judge Walker served his country during World War II Army of the United Sates from 1942 to 1946 Enlisted Man to First Lieutenant, Corps of the Military Police, American Theater, and continued service as a Reserve Officer for six years after his Honorable Discharge.

Judge Walker committed his life to community service, believing it is the responsibility of all citizens to support the greatness of their city, county, state, and country. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, served as Chairman for 12 years of the White Buffalo District 6, Circle Ten Council, and received the Silver Beaver Award in 1965. Additionally, he was a member of the American Humantics Foundations, Dallas Cliff Hill Lions Club, Military Order of the World Wars, Disabled American Veterans, was Past President, Dallas Chapter No. 2, Sons of the American Revolution, and served on the Dallas County Democratic Executive Committee for 11 years. He was a Trustee to three Cemetery Foundations, Royse City, Chisholm, and, Cottonwood. In 1963-1964, he served as a Dallas Public Library Trustee.

In 1963, he was appointed Judge, of the 162"d Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas by Governor John B. Connally and remained on the Bench until 1980. During the course of his tenure as jurist, he had many interesting cases including a Landmark Decision for the Right of Assembly and Protest during the Civil Rights era in Dallas.

In 1998 he returned to the city of his birth, was named Royse City, Texas Man of the Year, and received the golden key to the city.

Judge Walker was a member of the East Dallas Christian Church for over 60 years. He served this church well as a member of the choir, Sunday School Teacher, leader of the Slayter Men's Class, and provided Sunday services to those living at the Fowler Home. His last award from this church was on his 93rd birthday when he was pinned Elder Emeritus.

Judge Walker was a dedicated humanitarian, who helped many he was proud to call friend. In his passing, he will be missed by all including his Goddaughter, Terry Davis, his God grandchildren, Erica Chapman, Christopher Davis and Andrea Sommers-Todd; his friends Diana Gilbert and Kevin Todd, who lovingly gave him watchful attention for years; and all his caregivers at the Autumn Leaves Nursing Home.

Judge Walker is preceded in death by his wife, Anna Gandy Walker, his son, Stephen Craig Walker, and his brother, A. C. Walker. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Hays Walker.

Used by permission from Daughter, Susan Hays Walker

Note: It should also be mentioned that Judge Walker was an author and once told me that the book he had written about his ancestors could be found at the SMU Library (Southern Methodist University at Dallas). He was also responsible for establishing several Dallas County (in addition to Royce City, Rockwall County, Texas) cemetery foundations. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Award from the Cottonwood Cemetery Foundation (northeastern Dallas County) for his leadership in establishing that foundation and for his forty-seven years of continuous service. Even though his ancestors (Sims) are laid to rest in that cemetery, he also freely gave of his time and assisted other area pioneer cemeteries in establishing those foundations.