A legend is laid to rest

600 say goodbye to Walker; Texas' Williams dedicates season

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Posted: Wednesday September 30, 1998 07:33 PM

Walker died of complications from paralysis resulting from a ski accident in January AP

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colorado (AP) -- Football Hall of Famer Doak Walker was remembered Wednesday as "a man who ran with the big dogs all his life, and yet he was one of us."

Some 600 people attended services at Holy Name Catholic Church. Among them were former Detroit Lions teammates Harley Sewell, Joe Schmidt, Yale Lary and Jim Davis. Also attending were Heisman Trophy winner John Huarte and Pete Elliott, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A closed-circuit television system was set up so the overflow crowd could view the service in the church basement or a tent just outside.

Walker, 71, died Sunday of complications from paralysis resulting from a ski accident in January.

Rod Hanna, vice president of marketing for the Steamboat Springs ski area and a close friend, said Walker "liked to do things in a big way," and became a hero in his adopted hometown.

Texas running back Ricky Williams, who won this year's Doak Walker Award, said he "was honored to be mentioned in the same breath as this wonderful man."

"I will be wearing Doak's number on my helmet in honor of him this weekend and am dedicating my season to his memory," Williams said. Walker's SMU jersey number was 37.

Hanna said relatives and friends will scatter Walker's ashes on Long Peak, east of Steamboat Springs, an area where Walker liked to camp.

A Heisman Trophy winner at SMU, Walker played for the Lions for six seasons during the 1950s, leading them to two NFL championships. He was an All-Pro four times.

Walker was elected to pro college football halls of fame.

He is survived by his wife, Skeeter Werner Walker; his four children, Laurie, Russell, Chris and Scott; and four grandchildren.  

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