When the West Virginia Legislature assembled on Wednesday, Feb. 11, for its first session in 2009, it included 33rd Delegate District representative David Walker, who was sworn in on Jan. 14.

Walker, who resides in Clay County and represents Calhoun County and eight precincts in Clay and seven in Gilmer, was born in Charleston in 1952 and grew up in Clendenin.

He was raised by his mother, with three of his 12 siblings. After graduating from Herbert Hoover High School in 1970, he enlisted in the W.Va. National Guard, 19th Special Forces Group-Airborne.

His nine years of service also included time with the Combat Engineers, and Supply and Transportation.

Walker began working in the construction business, and progressed in the oil and gas field from a rough neck, to truck driver, to work on drilling rigs.

Presently, he is employed by Maxim Crane Works of Nitro as a heavy equipment (crane) operator. He is also a member of the executive board of Local 132.

“I’m for the working man. I’ve been a working man myself my whole life,” said Walker.

He has been a member of Procious Community Church for 22 years. He was called into the ministry at the age of 35.

“If it weren’t for the Lord, I would not be sitting here today. I started preaching nine months after I got saved, and I returned to my home church in 1998. The congregation has backed me all the way, and I’m thankful for them,” said Walker.

David Walker

Married for 29 years, he and his wife, the former Darlene Samples, are the parents of four children, Angela Walker, Stephanie Ahart, Darlinda Truman, and David Walker, Jr., and grandparents of six, Ricky, Zachary and Kaylin Ahart, ReEnna and Lexie Truman, and Jaedyn Walker.

“I am here to serve and look after the future of my children and grandchildren. They are the greatest gift God has given me, and I want to be the voice that is based on what this country was built on,” said Walker.

When asked why he ran for delegate, Walker stated, “I want to help people and serve my state.”

This was Walker’s fourth candidacy for the 33rd delegate seat: “I am ready to do what needs to be done. I have wanted this for a long time.”

Walker serves on the following House committees: Roads and Transportation; Energy, Industry and Labor; Economic Development and Small Business; and Education. His Interim committee is the Joint Standing Committee on Education.

The regular term of the Legislature ends on Apr. 11. During this time, Walker will communicate with The Calhoun Chronicle on his efforts in Charleston.

“I am proud to serve district 33. There are no county lines as far as I’m concerned. I am here for everyone,” said Walker.