Jeffrey "Jeff" Paul Walker

Jeffrey Paul Walker, age 67 of Florence, Arizona died peacefully on Thursday June 27, 2024 at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, AZ

Born Jeffrey Paul Walker on March 30, 1957 in Worthington, Minnesota. The eldest of two children of Paul Anthony Walker (d. 2005) and Shirley Ann Miller (d.2017)

Jeff was a graduate of Round Lake High School (Round Lake, MN) in 1975. In 1979, he earned his bachelor's degree in Business Education from Southwest State University. He earned his Masters of Science in Education from University of Wisconsin in 1982. Shortly after, in 1985, he obtained his sixth year certificate from Mankato State University, which later became University of Minnesota-Mankato. In 2008, he earned his Specialist in Education and Doctor of Education with Educational Leadership from Winona State University and Northcentral University respectively.Jeff had extensive knowledge in the classroom and administration. He dedicated 40 wonderful years in the education field. He started as a Business Education teacher and became a principal at the young age of 25. He worked in different schools in the Midwest region for most of his life - Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Later he had opportunities to work in the Southwest - Arizona where he always adored the beautiful landscape of the state. He was a superintendent of Cambria-Friesland School District in Wisconsin for 15 years and was awarded a recognition for his service from the District in 2006.From 2011 - 2016, Jeff worked abroad as Head of Schools for different international schools in South Korea, China and Qatar.

In 2012, he met his future husband, Leandro Agang. They met in the Philippines and have been inseparable since. They lived in several different countries; China, Qatar, Philippines and Sri Lanka. They married in Coons Rapid, Minnesota in October 2017. The couple lived in many different states (MN, IL, and AZ) capitalizing on their love to travel.

Jeff enjoyed watching comedy and medical shows after work and was an avid movie goer with his husband on weekends. He enjoyed experiencing new places and trying different cuisines. He had a passion for gardening and was always amazed with the beauty of plants and flowers.Jeff was an adventurous person! He will always be known as "The Big guy" to those that knew him. A big guy with an even bigger heart. Jeff loved people. He sought to find connections with others and used those connections to create wonderful bonds with everyone. Through his travels, he met a lot of people and made lots of friends! He kept communication with most of them throughout the years. He will be remembered for his bubbly personality, strong principles towards life and education, generosity, kindness and above all selflessness. He loved animals, especially dogs.

He is survived by his 13 year old cat, Alek, 2 year old dog, Juno, and his husband Leandro Agang all of Florence, AZ. His brother Monte Walker and his wife Lori of Worthington, MN as well as their children Alex and Jenny; and other family.

A celebration to honor him and his legacy will be held on July 10, 2024 at Blackwater Community School from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.