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John Scott Walker

John Scott Walker, 54, of Memphis, TN, formerly of Bruin, PA, passed away Monday, January 30, 2017 in Memphis.

He was born May 1, 1962 in Butler, PA, the son of Richard Miller Walker and Dorothy (Casselberry) Walker.

John grew up in Bruin and was a gifted athlete in his younger years. At age 15, he became paralyzed as the result of a diving accident but never let his circumstances hold him back. John earned multiple Bachelor degrees from Liberty University, a Master degree from Memphis State, and then went on to graduate with a MFA degree in creative writing from the University of Memphis studying under Richard Bausch, Cary Holladay, and Barry Hannah. He was an Assistant Professor of English at Creighton College and later joined faculty of the Center for Western Studies.

John was extremely creative and loved writing, music and art, especially songwriting and harmonica. He was an award-winning published author, receiving the Glimmer Train and Raymond Carver awards for his fiction pieces. John was dearly beloved by his colleagues and students, and those who knew him will remember him as a gifted teacher, mentor and man of faith.

He will be deeply missed by his mother, Dorothy Walker, of Gibsonia, PA; brothers, Rick Walker and wife, Eileen, of Mobile, AL, Jeff Walker, of Lancaster, PA, and Matt Walker and wife, Jessica, of Gibsonia, PA; sister, Julie Walker Richter and husband, Todd, of Winchester, KY; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his father who died November 8, 2011.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 3, 2017, 7 PM at Living Faith Bible Church, 28 Rolling Road, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066 with the Pastor Dan Chaffin officiating.

The family will receive friends from 2 PM until the time of funeral services at 4 PM on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 102 S. Argyle St., Petrolia, PA, with the Pastor Dan Chaffin officiating.

Burial will be in Bear Creek Cemetery, Petrolia, PA.

Contributions may be made in John's memory to The Center for Western Studies, Inc., 932 Harbor View Drive, Memphis, TN, 38103.

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