William Allen Walker Jr.
May 27, 2025

Allen Walker passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. He was 67 years old.

Born in Houston, Texas, Allen moved to San Antonio in 1959 with his mother and grandmother. He was educated in the Alamo Heights School District and later graduated with honors in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979. It was during his college years and early career that Allen formed many of the lifelong friendships that sustained him throughout his life.

Allen built a remarkable 40-year career in the San Antonio tech community. He began at Datapoint Corporation, a pioneer in desktop computing, and continued his work at Digital Ocean, Intersil, and as co-owner of Live Oak Logic. Most recently, he worked at ManTech, where he remained active and intellectually engaged until the end of his life. Allen was a leader on the team that created the first successful chip for wireless local networking, which is known today as Wi-Fi, a technology that reshaped the modern world. He was admired for his sharp mind, steady leadership, and deep commitment to helping others grow. He mentored generously, taught patiently, and carried himself with quiet confidence.

As accomplished as he was professionally, Allen's greatest joy came from being a father. He was present in every sense of the word. He coached teams, sat in the audience at theater performances, and was always there on the sidelines, watching with pride. He supported his children's passions with steady encouragement, quiet loyalty, and genuine love. Becoming a grandfather brought him a new kind of happiness. He adored his granddaughter, Blair Eleanor Shadick, and spoke of her often with warmth and joy.

Allen also had a deep love for the city he called home. He embraced San Antonio's culture, supported its local businesses, and looked forward to Fiesta every year. He had a lifelong passion for motor sports, especially Formula 1 and IndyCar, and often spoke fondly of his beloved Porsche 914, which he never quite stopped missing.

Though not Catholic himself, Allen remained deeply involved in the Church through his family. He attended Mass regularly and lived with a quiet integrity that reflected the values he supported, kindness, humility, and service.

He is survived by his children, Evan Walker (Cynthia Frias) and Gabriella Shadick (Nicholas), his granddaughter Blair Eleanor Shadick, and his former wife, dear friend and love of his life, Alicia Velazquez Walker. He is also survived by his stepmother, Jo A. Walker, half-brother Rome Walker (Juanita) and stepsisters Joy Martello (Keith) and Rebecca Calhoun (Jerry).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nan Virginia Bateman Walker, and his father, William Allen Walker.

Allen will be remembered for his brilliance, his wit, and his loyalty. He made life better for those around him. His legacy lives on in the innovations he helped build, the lessons he shared, and the people who carry his love forward. He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Friday, June 6, 2025

10:00 A.M.

The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel

1119 N. St. Mary's St.