Alderson-Laten Charles Walker, 75, passed away suddenly Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at his home surrounded by his wife Gail and son Laten, II.
Laten was born Jan. 2, 1947, in Beckley to the late Roy Eugene Walker and Nora Lee Harper Walker.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Todd Walker of Alderson and Nancy Cueto of Hines, WV.
Laten was a 1964 graduate of Hinton High School in Hinton. He also received undergraduate degrees from Bluefield State College in Bluefield and a graduate degree from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Laten was a former member of the United Carpenters and Joiners of America, a former professor at the College of West Virginia in Beckley and a former teacher in the alternative education program of the Greenbrier County School System. He was a member of the Americans Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), an advocate for civil and equal rights for all, and championed for all worker rights and safety. One of his final wishes included donating his organs to the Center of Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) for transplantation and to further the cause of medical advancements and research.
Surviving are his wife, Gail Walker of 55 years and two sons, Laten Walker II of Alderson, and Eli Walker and companion Michelle Faw of Fishersville, VA; granddaughter, Delilah Walker of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and grandson, Leo Walker of Verona, VA. Other surviving relatives are three brothers, RC Walker (Carolyn) of Louisburg, NC, Gary Walker (Sandy) of Ripley and Sammy Walker (Ginny) of Alderson; and many nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Laten’s wishes, he was cremated.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements were provided by Lobban Funeral Home of Alderson, WV.