Sign Dedication
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, participated recently in the unveiling of a sign naming a memorial highway in McIntosh County after late state Trooper William “Bill” Walker and Park Superintendent T. Leo Newton.
End of watch came for Walker and Newton when the two were shot and killed Feb. 17, 1971, during an attempted arrest of two men at Fountainhead State Park Lodge. Both men were 35 years old when killed. State Game Warden W.L. Pickens was wounded in the gunfight. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the event led to one of the state’s largest manhunts at the time. The men who shot Walker, Newton and Pickens were apprehended and sentenced to life in prison but were later released.
“These men gave their lives trying to protect others,” Turner said. “Their families have suffered the grief of their loss for many years, and it is fitting that we’ve now honored them with the naming of this memorial highway in their honor. May this sign long stand as a testament that their sacrifice and service will not be forgotten.”
State Sen. Bryan Logan, R-Paden, also participated in the unveiling.
An initial ceremony was held March 27 at Fountainhead State Park Airport near an existing monument honoring Walker and Newton. Participants then caravaned to the spot where the highway sign will be permanently located, on State Highway 150 at the intersection of North 4150 Road in McIntosh County, near the Newton family home. A lunch sponsored by Billy Inhofe was held at the FAIC Fire Department.
Walker served in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for four years. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He is survived by his wife, two sons, one brother and two sisters. He is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery in Checotah.
According to news reports, Newton served as superintendent for Fountainhead State Park for three years. He was born in Checotah and was a member of Meeker Masonic Lodge and Checotah Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Survivors include his wife, two sons, his parents, two brothers and a sister.
Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.
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