OBITUARIES

Bonnie Gail Miller

Bonnie Gail Miller was born on July 22, 1951 in Tulsa, OK. At the age of 5, Bonnie and her family moved to San Francisco, CA, which is where she attended school. In 1968 she met Gene Miller, and they married a short time after in Cottage Grove Oregon. Gene preceded her in death in 2010. In 1975, Bonnie began working for the State of Arizona, Motor Vehicle Division. She had a long career with them, retiring after 34 years. Bonnie was a faithful servant of God and a loving and loyal wife, sister, friend and neighbor. Bonnie fought a courageous battle with bone cancer, and on October 6, 2021 God called her home. She passed away at her Goodyear residence with her brother by her side. Bonnie was predeceased by her mother, Autumn Langenkamp; husband, Quentin Eugene Miller; stepson, Douglas Miller; and brothers Gary Holcomb and Carl Beurman. She is survived by her brother, Larry Schmidt, his wife Rosa and their daughter Magdalena; stepdaughter, Karen Miller, nephew, Gary Holcomb Jr; nieces, Tamara, Teresa and Tara, and her beloved dog Gizmo. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering on Sunday October 17, at 2:00 pm, Desert Hills Baptist Church, 20909 W. Yuma Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85326.

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Johnny Edward Dupree II

Johnny Edward Dupree Jr. was born September 18, 1968 to Johnny Edward Dupree Sr. and Vernell Smith Dupree in Marlin, Texas, where he was baptized into The Church of the Living God. He passed away on October 2, 2021 in Goodyear, Arizona. A service was held for Johnny at 2pm, Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Thompson Funeral Chapel and a wake followed at La Perla Sports Cantina.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/johnny-edward-dupree-jr

John S. Walker, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.)

John “Jack” Walker of Avondale, AZ passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 3, 2021 at the age of 87. Jack was born on May 30, 1934 in El Paso, Texas to Arthur L. Walker and Helen Field Walker. He and his older brother, Col. James F. Walker (deceased), spent their childhood years in the Southwest. His family then moved to Ephrata, Washington where Jack graduated from Ephrata High School in 1952. He grew up admiring the great outdoors, playing sports, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Ephrata Masonic Lodge. Following High School and during college, Jack worked in Alaska for the United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Oregon State University in 1957 and later obtained a Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University. Jack was commissioned a second lieutenant and entered the United States Air Force in April of 1958 where he proudly flew F-100 Super Sabre and F-4 Phantom fighter jets. During his military service, Jack flew 118 combat missions and was awarded numerous decorations including 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 8 Air Medals. He retired from the USAF as Squadron Commander of the 550th TFTS at Luke AFB, in Arizona with more than 20 years of Honorable Service to our Country. After his military career, Jack continued his passion for flying as a Pilot Instructor for Airline Training Center Arizona (ATCA). From 1978, until his retirement in 2004, Jack shared his love for flying with students from around the globe. Jack was also asked to design and enthusiastically developed an ongoing Desert Awareness Program, promoting flight student safety with educational classes focused on the unique Sonoran Desert landscape and wildlife of the Southwest. Jack logged over 19,000 flying hours in his lifetime. If he was not in the air, he was on the ground pursuing his passions, which included hunting, fishing, woodworking, nature, being a world class Dad, crafting a practical joke and sharing stories. Above all, Jack valued family, life-long friendships and his Country. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carolyn Files Walker; daughter, Lisa D. Fry; son-in-law, Thomas P. Fry; extended family members and countless friends. He will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew him. We are grateful to the many people who have cared for and helped Jack over the years. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice in honor of Jack. The Lord presented me in Phoenix, Arizona to excited parents as a first-born blessing on February 26, 1952.

I remained in Avondale throughout my 69 years of life. I followed crop in migrant farming between Arizona and California in support of household income in my early years. I attended Agua Fria High School and never strayed from my passion for God, family, friends, music, football and sunflower seeds . . . yes, seeds—my favorite! You would never find me without seeds, which is how I earned, and accepted, my "Byrd" nickname.

I was born with a physical disability which prevented activity often taken for granted, like simply walking without pain. I never complained because life is a gift from the Lord. Over the years, I did work in a delivery capacity for various industries. Despite my limitations, life is never perfect, especially when health takes a turn for the worse.

My health declined over the past couple years and I began fearing my final day more than anything. My inability to interact with others was difficult. My time was occupied by discussion with the Lord, and self-reflection. About the present. About the past. Would life have been different if I hadn't been born with a disability? Would I have experienced greater acceptance and less ridicule? Would I have been better educated? Why is my health declining? Rapidly. Is the Lord speaking to me? Why me?

I then think about all the goodness on earth. Again, family and friends. My community. Those who have helped me my entire life. I don't harbor any ill will against those who ostracized me for so long for they know not the pain they cause. After all, we all sin, and I know how to forgive. I prefer to think about the happy times. Although I could never run or play sports, I was one of the biggest fans. You always know your true friends. They're the ones who accept and help you without condition.

On September 15, 2021, the Lord reached for my hand. I was so scared. I've never done this before. But I felt comfort because I trust the Lord with all my heart. We all know that the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh. That's how it works for all of us. It was just my time, that's all. I accepted the Lord's hand in salvation to enter His Kingdom. I am survived by mom and dad (Dora and Ronnie), both well into their 90s! I am also survived by my brothers Tommy, Ronald, Anthony and Paul, and by my sister Jan.

The Kingdom of God is beautiful! Fear not. My pain is gone. No more discrimination. There is no sin. Just goodness. This is a time for celebration. Family and friends will shower me with love at a 10 am service at St. William Catholic Church in Cashion on Friday, October 29th. Thereafter, my ashes will rest at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Tolleson. Know that it is true--you will be judged by your action towards others. Be considerate and helpful. I am so happy!