Virgil A. Walkup, the son of Arthur and Gertrude (Folden) Walkup, was born September 1, 1913, west of Skidmore, Missouri. He attended Loss Grove country school and graduated from Tarkio High School, Tarkio, Missouri in 1931. Virgil worked on the Rankin ranch until 1935, worked for a neighbor until 1939, and then returned to the Rankin farm until 1946. At this time, Virgil began his own farming operation, where he worked until retiring. He enjoyed helping his son, Gene, with his farming until ill health made him unable to do so.

On October 1, 1935, Virgil was united in marriage to Ruth Elizabeth Currie. They made their home on their farm and raised their two sons. Virgil and Ruth received the honor of Farm Family of the year in 1990. Ruth passed away January 18, 2001. Virgil passed away December 6, 2009 at the Tarkio Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Tarkio at the age of 96 years.

Later in life Virgil enjoyed woodworking, and he built replicas of the Rankin Mule Barn, Rankin basement barn, a hay barn on the Davis farm, the Walkup Grove Church, a covered bridge, the Currie home, a saloon, the old ranch house, and several others. These items are on display in the historical museum in downtown Tarkio. Virgil was a faithful member of the Tarkio Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder. He also served sixteen years on the Tarkio Township Committee.

Besides his parents, Virgil is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; daughter-in-law, Shirley Walkup; two sisters, Beatrice Dunfee and Virginia Knox; one brother, Kenneth Walkup; one grandson, Michael Walkup and one great grandson, Daniel Walkup. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth E. Walkup and his fiancé, Joyce Sutter, Tarkio and David A. Walkup and his wife, Margaret, Cleveland, Tennessee; seven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; one sister, Ilene Emerson, Council Bluffs, Iowa; three nieces and two nephews.

Services: 10:00 am, Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.
Interment: Home Cemetery, Tarkio.
Visitation: 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.
Memorials: Tarkio Presbyterian Church or Tarkio Nutrition Center.

Services: Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.