Clint Ray Walker

Clint “Ray” Walker, age 38, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Monday, May 27, 2013, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND, as a result of injuries sustained in an ATV accident.

Clint Ray Walker was born May 1, 1975, in Meridian, MS, the oldest son of Virgil Ray and Maxine (Stephens) Walker. As a young boy, Ray moved with his family to the Red Lake, MN, area. The family later settled in the White Earth, MN, area and Ray graduated from Waubun High School. Following high school, he played football for Fergus Falls Community and Technical College. An athletic injury restricted Ray from extending his football career. He then attended Thief River Falls Northland College, later graduating from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Eighteen years ago, Ray found his life partner, Sarah Bush Keezer. Together they have two children, Lalania and Buster. The family made their home in Mississippi for a short time before settling in the Naytahwaush area. Ray was currently employed as a social worker for White Earth Indian Child Welfare, a job he truly enjoyed.

Ray’s personality was one to play hard and work hard, especially for his children. Lalania and Buster meant the world to Ray and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t have done for them. Time spent with Sarah and the kids was like no other. They did many things together, with one of his favorites being just to cuddle. Close behind his family was his love for sports and the kids he coached and came in contact with. He would always make time for any child who crossed his path no matter the situation. Ray was the Little Hoopsters Basketball Team Coach for several years, leading them to many 1st place tournament wins. He also enjoyed softball, football, golfing, snowmobiling, fishing, four-wheeling, and riding bike. Ray was a member of the BBOA Bemidji Basketball Referee Association and even had the privilege to ref a state championship game. On the weekends, he could often be found at Clearwater Campground grilling, tubing and eating smores by the campfire. Ray was a loving father and partner and all around caring and compassionate individual and friend who will greatly be missed.

Surviving Ray is his children, Lalania and Clint “Buster” Walker, Jr., life partner, Sarah Bush Keezer, all of Naytahwaush; brother, Michael (Jamie) Walker of White Earth, MN, half-brother, Dalton (Kimimila) Walker of Sioux Falls, SD; grandma Zula Chitto of Standing Pine, MS; Sarah’s parents, Pamela and Robert Keezer of Naytahwaush, Sarah’s siblings: Miss (Scott) Keezer, Robert “Lenny” Keezer Jr. (Dawn), and Gabriel Keezer all of Naytahwaush and Melvin Bush of Mahnomen; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and his Bro-mance, Joe Heisler of White Earth.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Maxine and Virgil Walker; grandparents; grandma, Delores Bush; aunts, Fannie Stephens and Jeanette Gibson. Funeral Services were held on Monday, June 3, 2013, at 7pm in the Mahnomen High School Gym. Visitation was held from 5-7pm on Monday evening.

Interment will be held at Choctaw Missionary Baptist Cemetery, in Standing Pine, Mississippi.