Bennie Ruth Brannen was the second child of Joe and Hazel Brannen. She was born July 17, 1927 at Pennington, Texas. Bennie graduated from Pennington High School, attended Baylor University, and graduated from Sam Houston College. She taught in the public schools until she married Velda Osia Walker on June 10, 1951 (and let me make a side note here--this wedding was one of my first public appearances, as I had only been born about six weeks previously--they say I pretty much just laid there and required frequent diaper changes at the wedding). Osia was born 12/21/18 in Limestone County, Texas. His parents were D. Ledford Walker and Alta Colbert Walker. Osia graduated from Jewett (Texas) High School, got a Bachelor's degree in mathematics Sam Houston State College, and also obtained a masters degree from the University of Houston. Like Bennie, he taught in the public schools in Dickinson until they married and moved back to Pennington to enter business with two of Bennie's brothers (Joe and Johnny) in Brannen & Walker Farm Supply.
One of the saddest days of my life happened in the spring of '98 when Osia Walker died (4/13/98). I was trapped in deliberations on a felony trial jury and unable to attend the funeral, but from what I heard, there was an exceptional turnout there to celebrate his life, rather than being there to mourn his passing. We loved him dearly and he will be missed. He was a loving father and a good friend. Osia was the kind of man you could call at 3 in the morning, say you needed help, and you knew he would be there for you.
Osia Walker (June 1997)
Bennie Walker (Oct. 2001)
Between the time the partners sold the business on 1/1/80 and 1996, Osia raised cattle and they enjoyed ranch life. In 1996 they left their ranch near Pennington and moved to Crockett. Bennie can be reached at: 105 El Camino, Crockett, TX 75835. Bennie greatly enjoys visits with her five grandchildren.
Bennie and Osia had two children:
Donald Ross Walker was born in Crockett, Texas on March 13, 1954. He graduated from Crockett High School and Texas A&M University. Donald is Director, Retail Accounting for Brookshire Grocery Company in Tyler, Texas. On March 6, 1977 Donald married Vivian Morrene ("Viv") King (born 6/16/54 in Sherman, Texas). Vivian's parents are Wayne and Dorothy King of Garland, Texas. Viv graduated from South Garland (Texas) High School and Texas A&M University (no question about where Donald and Viv met!) and she is a First Grade Educator in the Tyler school district. Donald and Viv can be reached via e-mail at donvivw@sbcglobal.net.
Donald and Vivian have two children:
Lindsey Michelle Walker, Lindsey graduated from Baylor University and also obtained a master's degree from The University of Texas at Dallas in Communication Disorders. She works for the Birdville school district as a speech language pathologist.. On August 5, 2005 she married Matthew David Zolfo. Matt was born July 5, 1982, in Midland, Michigan , his parents are Mr. and Mrs. David Zolfo. Matt graduated from Baylor University and is currently employed by Sullivan Schein Dental as an equipment sales specialist. Lindsey can be reached via e-mail at lindsey.zolfo@yahoo.com. Matt can be reached via e-mail at matt.zolfo@nextel.blackberry.net.
Matt and Lindsey...wedding day
Brett Matthew Walker, born 3/7/88 in Tyler, Texas. Brett just recently graduated from Tyler Lee high school (5/06).
Brett, Lindsey, Vivian, and Donald Walker (Thanksgiving 2004)
Janet Ruth Walker was born in Crockett, Texas on March 21, 1956. She graduated from Crockett High School and Texas A&M University. Janet is a CPA and works for Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. in Midland, TX as an Accountant. Janet married Charles M. "Chuck" Hamilton on September 4, 2004 in Midland Texas. Chuck was born September 19, 1957.. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hamilton.. Chuck is employed by Conoco-Phillips. Janet's e-mail addresses are: jrhazlett@grandecom.net (home) and jhamilton@claytonwilliams.com (work). Chuck's e-mail address is: chuckh@grandecom.net.
Chuck and Janet Hamilton, Bennie Walker,Krista Hazlett, Laura Hazlett,
and, Jarod Hazlett (Sept. 2004)
Janet has three children from a previous marriage:
Jarod Ben Hazlett, born 2/15/82 in Midland, Texas. Jarod is now living and working in the IT business in Houston. He can be reached via e-mail at: JHazlett@houston.rr.com
Krista Jananne Hazlett, born 11/18/83 in Midland, Texas. Krista graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. On August 20th, 2005 Krista married Adam Weathers. His parents are Mr. & Mrs. Michael Weathers. Adam was born on 05/26/80 in Midland, Texas. He is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps as a UH-1 (Huey) Pilot. Adam and Krista's e-mail address is adamkristaweathers@yahoo.com.
Krista and Adam
Laura Jim Hazlett, born 8/11/88 in Midland, Texas. Laura will be beginning Texas A&M University this autumn (2007) to begin work on an Education degree.. Laura can be reached via e-mail at: ljhazlett@grandecom.net
