Walker receives Community Cornerstone Award

CornerBank has announced Joe Walker is the Community Cornerstone Award recipient for January. In recognition of her service, CornerBank will contribute $100 to the non-profit organization of Joe's choice. He has selected the Boy Scouts of America Troop #328.
A reception honoring Joe's service will be at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28, in the CornerBank community room, 125 N. Summit. The public is invited to attend the reception.

Joe has been a member of First United Methodist Church 48 years. His longevity with other organizations is just as impressive: American Legion Past Commander, 26 years; Crescent Masonic Lodge 133, 25 years; Wichita Scottish Rite, 22 years; Midian Shrine, 22 years;
Cowley County Shrine Club President, 22 years; York Rite, 15 years; and Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce, 11 years.

While Joe doesn't belong to specific volunteer programs, he believes the best volunteer program we have is ourselves and encourages others to join! He tries to step in and help whenever he learns of a problem. He donated more than 200 coats to the coat program at FUMC; donated more than 4,000 stuffed toys to churches, schools and other programs; and collected 90 fishing poles for the American Legion Children's Home in Ponca City, thanks to help from his friends. He has put up 14 flag poles and flags for the elderly and regularly visits the Winfield Veterans Home, rest homes and personal residences to give haircuts to folks who can't make it to the barber shop. He provides this service at no charge. These are just a few of the things Joe does to make his community a better place to live.

He received the Harry Long Award in 2002, Commander of the Year award in 2004-05 from the American Legion; Gold Brigade award in 2004-05, Ark City Recreation Commission award for commitment to youth in 2008; Society of John Wesley Fellows I 2009; Inspector General Honorary 33rd degree of Supreme Council of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 2003;
and Knight Commander of Court of Honor in 2001.

Joe was born in Ark City and attended rural schools at Oak Grove and Lone Star. He graduated from Burden High School in 1955. He attended the Kansas School of Barbering and had a barbershop in Belle Plaine before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served from Aug. 8, 1960 until Aug. 8, 1962. He returned to Ark City and opened his first shop on West Madison on Sept. 8, 1962. He has been barbering I Ark City for 48 years.

Joe has enjoyed his barbering career.

"I have the best customers I could ask for," Joe said. "They rate being my friend number one and my customer number two. I love Ark City and all the people here. Thank you for all the
love and friendship."

Joe and his wife, Joann, have five children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Joe was selected for the award by the Community Cornerstone Award selection committee,
which includes Arleta Rice, Judy Reedy, Erv Knocke, Karl Faidley, Dolly Bonfy, Curt Freeland
and Brenda Combs. All are previous recipients of the Cornerstone Award. Volunteers are the cornerstones of healthy communities. They're on your corner - the people next door. They're in your corner - helping make our community stronger. The Community Cornerstone Award recognizes the time and effort of volunteers dedicated to serving people and enhancing the
quality of life in Cowley County. If you know of a Cowley County resident who has shown servant leadership in community service, contact Joyce McArtor at 442-6500 or joycem@cornerbank.com for nomination guidelines.

Make a nomination via PDF.