Destry Walker Obituary (1989 - 2025)

Destry Lane Walker was the beloved firstborn child of Randy and Jody Walker. Everyone said that he was the most beautiful baby they had ever seen. Destry was homeschooled after sixth grade but enjoyed many activities during his school years including Boy Scouts, tennis, 4H, art classes, and photography. He graduated from high school in 2007 and later earned his Associate of Arts degree from Indian Hills Community College. Though he faced many unseen battles each day, Destry was brave and never gave up. He was a well-known, friendly face—sometimes even seen in a kilt—around the community through his many jobs, including at True Value, Carquest, Centerville Schools, Walmart, and Honeycreek. Even Destry's license plate brought smiles reading "RYDSAGN" after the Audie Murphy cowboy movie he was named after 'Destry Rides Again.' Even when others were unkind, Destry never stopped showing acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. There are countless stories of him surprising friends, family, and coworkers with coffee or food, bringing flowers, writing heartfelt letters, or remembering birthdays. If someone was sick or in the hospital, Destry was always the first to show up with gifts and balloons. Even if he barely knew you, he went out of his way to be a friend to all. Destry valued nothing more than friendship. He would do anything for anyone and truly brightened the lives of so many. Destry was known for his razor-sharp wit, his beloved 4-legged companion, “Pawblo,” and the many pen pals he had all over the world. People often said, “To know Destry is to love Destry.” A huge part of his identity—and his true heartbeat—was his family. He was a protective and proud older brother to Dakota, Sierra, Montana, and Dallas. His life changed forever when he became an uncle, a role he adored. He cherished his nephews August Walker Roe, Jasper Jaksha, Ellis Jaksha, and two bonus nephews, Harrison and Sawyer Roe. Destry had many passions and interests and was incredibly intelligent. He loved movies, trivia nights, Renaissance fairs, Australia, history, the UK, James Bond, giving haircuts, the Crocodile Hunter, and cooking exquisite meals. A natural artist and creative soul, he could make just about anything. He loved giving nicknames, volunteering countless hours with the Centerville Theater Group, and designing his home. Destry felt deeply and loved big. He grieved injustices and hurt in the world. His final act was one of ultimate bravery and sacrifice—he gave his life to save the people he loved. Destry will forever be remembered as a hero. He was special, unique, and marched to the beat of his own drum. Let his story be a legacy of selfless kindness and a reminder to all of us to be a good friend. The world did not deserve him. Left to cherish his memory are his parents Randy and Jody Walker, his siblings Dakota Walker, Sierra Roe (Matt), Montana Jaksha (Ian), Dallas Walker (Daysha), his precious nephews, his beloved Pawblo, his "little grandma" Dorothy Barrell, and countless friends and family. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Gary Barrell Sr., Carol Sue Barrell, Nancy Vonevich (Bob), and Mickey Walker; and his great grandparents, Dallas and Avanelle Walker, Freddy and Hilda Dusablon, Robert and Velta Barrell, Frank and Twilah McVeigh. Destry’s family will announce services at an undetermined later date. The only thing getting us through this difficult time is the support of our community and the belief we will see Destry again.