Ronald R. Walker

Ronald R. Walker was born in Pittsburgh PA on February 1, 1942, to Harry R. Walker and Alice Walker who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his sister, Karen S. Lefcakis (Walker), and her husband Nicholas Lefcakis. 

Ron was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and would spend the rest of his life rooting for the Steelers and Pitt. 

Being from Pittsburgh Ron was loyal to Heinz Ketchup and would not touch the “other” stuff. He also was famous for his complete avoidance of mayonnaise, quizzing every waitress, server and chef as to ensure no mayo came close to his food, much to the entertainment of his lunch guest. He famously told his nieces and nephews that, "Mayonnaise was the only condiment that can kill you."

Ron loved to travel and spend many months circling the globe on a cruise ship, plane, or train. He was widely regarded as an expert in travel, hotels, and things to do, holding regular infotainment sessions with friends planning trips. Ron’s travels took him to some of the most remote places on the planet, but his favorite destination would always be when he visited his family out East. 

After finishing high school Ron joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in West Germany. It was in Germany that he served in a “Davy Crockett Unit.” The Davy Crockett was a small nuclear weapon launched from the back of a jeep and despite being such a serious assignment, Ron was always quick to tell jokes about his time carrying a nuclear bomb on his back. Ron was a veteran storyteller and often talked about his first “cruise” to Germany aboard a troop ship. Years later he would famously compare the food on said ship to a Princess Cruise he took in 2015, writing a classic letter to the cruise line comparing and contrasting the quality of the trip as only Ron could do. 

After his time in the service Ron’s travels took him far and wide, working in California and Detroit, Michigan (where he worked for General Motors). From there he would end up in New Mexico, where he would obtain his bachelor’s degree at New Mexico Western. After getting his BA he continued his studies at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

After law school Ron worked as an Attorney for the city of Albuquerque before heading south to take a job working for the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Roswell. Ron moved to Hobbs in 1983 and would serve in the role of Deputy District Attorney. He was renowned for his skills as an attorney, possessing not only a knack for arguing a case before a jury but also possessing a brilliant knowledge of the law. Over his career as a prosecutor, he tried many of the most important cases in New Mexico over his tenure in Lea Country. 

After retiring from the District Attorney’s Office over 20 years ago he found he was unable to resist the call of the courtroom and returned for a second stint as Deputy District Attorney in Lea County. As an attorney he mentored many young lawyers over the years and when he retired from the District Attorney’s Office a second time he continued to excel as an attorney, practicing law for the remainder of his life. Despite being “retired” for over 15 years Ron spent his last week of life in the courtrooms of Lea and Eddy County, arguing over a dozen cases and demonstrating his acute knowledge of the law. 

Ron made many friends from many different walks of life. He was a dedicated friend and a person who would not let you down. His most outstanding trait was his generosity. Not only was he generous with his time, but he always made sure to visit his friends and family on birthdays and during holidays. He would always start his Christmas shopping in June and would have his gifts selected by July. And to those friends with children, he was always a favorite “uncle,” bringing presents and his infectious laughter. 

Ron is survived by two nephews, James R. Lefcakis and his wife Leigh Ann of Pittsburgh, PA as well as Nicholas Lefcakis and his wife Rose Walther. Cousin Shirley Fascetti and her husband Al Fascetti of Peabody, MA. Also surviving Ron are his great nephew Riley Lefcakis as well as nieces Sabrina Walther and Alexandria, Nicolette, and Alexa Lefcakis. 

Ron was above all a loyal family man and friend. He was a loyal friend to all who were blessed to have him in their lives, and a loyal mentor to so many young lawyers in this community. He was full of life, knowledge, passion and was truly “the smartest and most skilled attorney in the room” throughout his 50-year legal career. No attorney will ever fill the shoes of Ron, he was simply the best…a friend to many. "And in the end" his service and generosity stand as a testament to his character and how much he influenced his community.