R. Lee Walkup was born September 1, 1950 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Reverends Roy and ElNora McElhannon Walkup.  He moved to his heavenly home on November 11, 2012.  Since his parents were pastors, they lived in several communities in the Muskogee area, but Lee always called Elm Grove home.  After graduating from Muskogee Central High School, Lee attended and graduated from Connors State College and Northeastern State College.  He married the love of his life, Janice Fulton, on June 27, 1969.  They have always made their home in the Muskogee area.  

Although Lee worked many jobs, his most fulfilling was as youth pastor.  He touched many lives in this role as he mentored youth, guiding them through their struggles and celebrating their triumphs.  Many of these “kids” still consider him their youth pastor and friend.

Lee started auctioneering at the age of eight, and it became a passion for him.  He was well known for his smooth and charming chant.  As an auctioneer and real estate broker, he sold everything from junk to ranches.

Lee’s greatest joys in life were his family and serving his Lord.  He especially loved attending church services and events and spending time with his grandchildren.  He tried to participate in all of their school, church, and sports activities.  Lee absolutely hated it when he could not make it to one of their events and always wanted a play-by-play of the action.  He also loved to spend time in his boat with his family and friends while they fished.  

Lee had a heart for missions and enjoyed going on mission trips when his health allowed. He loved to tell the story of how the cement was multiplied on one such trip.  

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Muskogee First Assembly of God, 3100 Gulick St., Muskogee, OK, 74403 for the 2013 Ireland mission trip or to a charity of your choice.  

Lee was loved by many and will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Marlin Fulton.

Lee is survived by his wife, Janice of the home; daughter, Marla Salmon of Muskogee and son, Dr. Matthew Walkup and wife Rebecca of Muskogee; grandchildren, Jake and Mylie Salmon of Muskogee; sister, Rebecca Walkup-Perry of Muskogee; mother-in-law, Nelda Fulton of Warner; brother-in-law, Jim Fulton and wife Penny of Oktaha; sister-in-law, Clara Mills and husband Dean of Grove; nieces, Christy Fuller and husband Daniel of Kayenta, AZ and Stephanie Perry of Tulsa; Freddie Morgano of Muskogee; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends.  

The Walkup Family will receive friends 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services honoring Lee will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Southeast Baptist Church.  Interment will follow at Agnew Cemetery with Ken Arney, Chris Davis, Daniel Fuller, Trapper McDaniel, Freddie Morgano, and Travis O’Neal serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Darden, Johnny Edwards, Joe Hathcoat, Don McDaniel, Jeff McDaniel, and Dennis Morton.

Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematory, 1830 North York Street, Muskogee, OK.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.