Obituaries:  Jerry Walker, Sabine, DeSoto Parish       W-426
Source:  Sabine Index, Many, La., Dec 11, 1975
Submitted by: Carl Dilbeck
              carlrad@earthlink.net




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Jerry Walker

  Two more men have been listed as fatalities, following a wreck
on Highway 171, South of Many, according to La. State Trooper Guy
Singletary, Troop H. The Monday morning wreck which claimed two
Mansfield men, brought the toll to three dead, in a four day
period. The first fatality was Sgt. C. J. Miller of Many, who was
killed instantly Thursday afternoon, Dec. 4, just two miles from
the second accident scene. All of the wrecks occurred on the
recently completed passing lanes.

  Killed in a 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8 accident, were two Negro men,
both of Mansfield. Dead are Jerry Walker, 40, and Jimmy Thomas,
65.

  Walker and Thomas were passengers in a 1974 blue Chevrolet
driven by Mack A. Phoenix, 21, of Mansfield. Other passengers
were Danny W. Phoenix, 19, Mansfield, Leroy Crump, 62, Mansfield,
and Ola B. Williams, 46, Pleasant Hill.

  According to La. State Troopers Guy Singletary and Willie Dixon,
both of Troop H, Leesville, the Phoenix car hit the rear end of a
log truck. Both vehicles were traveling south on the right side
of the two lanes of southbound traffic.

  The log truck, a 1974 tractor-trailer rig, which was loaded, was
driven by Phillip T. Matthews, 35, of Noble.

  Ironically, the log truck and the Phoenix car had the same
destination, Vancouver Plywood.

  The driver, Phoenix, stated that he was unable to see the log
truck in the early morning darkness. Phoenix stated that he was
traveling approximately 50 mph, when he ran into the rear of the
truck.

  One huge log rammed through the right side of the windshield,
and into the back seat. Both victims were seated on the right
side of the car, one in front, and one in back.

  Walker was pronounced dead at the scene, and Thomas died in the
emergency room at Highland Hospital in Shreveport. The other
occupants received noticeable injuries, according to the
troopers. They were all transferred to local hospitals for
treatment.

  According to Trooper Singletary, the accident is still under
investigation. No charges have been filed.