W. Walker Gentry

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of William Walker Gentry.  Walker, as he was known to his family and friends, age 36, of Kansas City, Missouri, was born September 28, 1987, in Clinton, North Carolina, the son of William D. and Patricia (Pope) Gentry.  He departed this life Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City.

Walker grew up in and around the Lenoir, North Carolina area. He attended West Caldwell High School and Pisgah High School

On January 15, 2017, he was united in marriage to Jessica JoAnne Griffin in Kansas City, Missouri.

Walker was employed as a Security Guard for the Kansas City Zoo. He had also worked at the Up-Down Arcade Bar in Kansas City.  He was a man of many talents and passions. He often enjoyed MMA and Brazilian Jujitsu.  He was a writer who loved writing poems, songs, and stories. Animals gave him comfort and joy, especially his dogs Kaos and Shava. He was an avid online gamer, who especially loved playing games on Xbox. Walker loved being outdoors and loved to cook. Anything to do with nature he enjoyed, specifically the mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway in his home state of North Carolina. Known for his big sense of humor, Walker always had a funny joke or a meme to share.

Above all Walker loved his family. He was a loving husband, devoted son, brother, uncle, and cherished friend who lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends.  Walker's big love for his family was boundless, and his greatest joy came from spending time with them. He was a pillar of strength, a source of unwavering support, and a beacon of light in their lives.

Walker’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his Viking spirit will follow him into the great halls of Valhalla.
 
Walker was preceded in death by his father, William Dennis Gentry; half-brother Jeremy Alexander Gentry; paternal grandparents, Oscar Cecil and Ponsie Marie Gentry; maternal grandparents, Talbert B. and Alice E. Pope; his uncle, Gerald Max Pope; several other aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jessica of Kansas City; loving mother, Patricia “Trish” Lathan of Lenoir, North Carolina; his two brothers and best friends, Jason Andrew (and Mary) LaRose of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Oscar “Dylan” (and Jessica) Gentry of Lenoir, North Carolina; two nieces, Eden LaRose and Ivey LaRose;  his faithful dog, Kaos; other relatives and friends.

Per Walker’s wish cremation has been accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date in North Carolina.

Memorial donations can be sent in Walker's honor to https://www.bepositive.org/ . B+ Foundation to aid and to provide financial assistance to families, fund childhood cancer research, and brings awareness to the fight against childhood cancer. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550