Lucas Jackson Walker

Lucas Walker was a character as all who knew him can tell you.  He loved a good laugh, great conversation, everything about the outdoors, and most of all, he loved his family.

Lucas was born June 8 ^th , 1981 in Casper, Wyoming.  He was joyfully welcomed home by his parents Charley and Donna and big sister Becky.  His arrival completed this family of four.  In 1982, the family made a move that brought them to Springfield where Lucas embraced the life of a country kid.  Lucas loved animals and he was adept at sneaking a kitty or dog into his bedroom or creating mischief while out roping the milk pen calves.  His love of the rural life made him successful in 4-H, particularly shooting sports.  He was an avid outdoorsman from a young age and learned hunting and fishing skills that he utilized his entire life.

Lucas learned early how to be his dad’s right hand man and felt most at home behind the wheel of a tractor.  If Charley was out on the farm, Lucas was right there every chance he had.  He even took his nap behind the seat of the tractor.  He knew how to work on tractors and farm equipment, build fence, and work cattle long before he could even tie his shoes.  Lucas appreciated what it took to make a crop grow or to raise an animal and he knew the value of a farmer.

Junior high and high school brought a passion for football, and he lived for those “Friday night lights”.  His family traveled near and far to watch him enjoy the sport he loved most.  He enjoyed summers working with his dad, many friendships, and visiting his sister to experience college life. Upon graduation Lucas ventured into his next steps by earning a certification in lineman work at Mesa State. He settled in Canon City where he got to be close to the mountains he loved and could spend his weekends enjoying all they had to offer.

The pull of his home town was strong and he eventually came back to Baca County.  Low and behold, a girl he had always had a connection with was also living back in her old stomping grounds.  In quick measure, Lindsay Jagers became a regular fixture in his life.  Lucas and Lindsay were married September 20 ^th , 2008.  He was not much for any kind of fancy “to do” and told their minister it better be done in 30 minutes.  There was great pride in getting their ceremony done in 17 and a half minutes!

Lucas and Lindsay had many adventures and laughs as a newly married couple, but their best journey together started January 15 ^th , 2010 with the birth of their precious Tanaya Rayne.  This little girl had her daddy’s heart from the moment she was born.  She has been wearing camo since she left the hospital in her baby carrier!  Lucas saw the opportunity for a hunting buddy and Tanaya is probably as good a guide for Baca County hunting as anyone.  She has spent many hours with her daddy driving around looking for wild game, scoping out good hunting spots, and making wonderful memories.  These two have also been known to be in trouble for “practicing” their bow hunting skills in the house.  Fishing also was a past time Lucas shared with both Lindsay and Tanaya, and their family can regale you with countless stories about their escapades.

Cooking was a great passion for Lucas and many of his friends have experienced his excellent skills at smoking meat and his love of the grill.   He gained his cooking skills from his mom Donna and when he was little he enjoyed learning her family recipes, which he has shared with his own family.  He often called asking how to make a specific dish he knew would be enjoyed by Tanaya and Lindsay.

Being a dad was Lucas’ greatest joy in life and he was so proud of his little girl.  Tanaya and he had many inside jokes and laughter.  Tanaya fondly remembers spending a lot of time with her daddy in the tractor and him letting her drive.  He liked to take Tanaya on cruises around town and sometimes they even let mom join in.  Tanaya also can tell you a little story about how daddy willingly let her put make-up on him and paint his nails!  One of Tanaya’s favorite things is having music night and family sing offs. She can tell you songs that Lucas had his own singing part with her.  Apparently Lucas could actually carry a tune and hold his own in these competitions!

Lucas ended his time here with us on September 26, 2021.  He will be so greatly missed by his wife Lindsay and daughter Tanaya, along with his parents Donna and Charley.  He is also survived by his sister Becky and her husband Reid, Lindsay’s parents Dean and Christi Jagers, brother-in-law Trey, along with his nieces and a nephew.