Pastor Thomas Hayes Walker, beloved husband, father, and servant of the Church, passed away from pancreatic cancer on December 22, 2024 at the age of 71. Born on November 7, 1953, in Seward, Alaska, Thomas grew up in the Sandpoint-Clark Fork area of Idaho. He graduated from Clark Fork High School in 1972, earned a B.A. from Dana College in 1976, and received his Master of Divinity from Luther Theological Seminary in 1980.Ordained on June 22, 1980, Thomas served the Church for 44 years in various roles, including parish pastor, I.T. director, and librarian, with a commitment to faith and service. He retired in 2019 after serving Heritage Lutheran Church in Brandon, South Dakota.In 1974, Thomas married Kristin Grorud. Together, they celebrated 50 years of marriage and raised three children: Ryan (Lauren), Karen (Mike), and Nathan (Megan). He is also survived by seven grandchildren, three siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. There will be a service at 11:00am Friday, Dec. 27th,at Heritage Lutheran Church in Brandon, SD.  Visitation, one hour prior. Memorials may be made to Heritage Lutheran Church in Brandon, South Dakota, or Living Water Lutheran Church in Clark Fork, Idaho.

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