When Clarence Walker took a direct care position at Creative Community Living in 2001, he thought of it as a temporary job.

“I did not have any idea what it would be like when I started,” he said recently. “Before long, however, I began bonding with the individuals, and they became part of my life. I enjoy working with them and look forward to the next day.”

Walker, of El Dorado, remembers one of his first days on the job when a male client said he didn’t want Walker to be around him because of his black skin. Walker, who is also the pastor of Feast of Life Church, explained to the man he shouldn’t dislike someone because of the color of his skin. They continued spending time together, and several weeks later the client stated the two of them were “pals.”

“After that he always looked for me,” said Walker, who also has a warm relationship with the other five men at the 505 Eunice Street residence. All have developmental disabilities.

Because of his dedication to those men and other CCL clients, Walker has been selected the 2008 staff recipient of CCL’s Sharon K. Bird Humanitarian Award.

“Clarence is a gentle and humble man and not only a teacher and mentor but also a good friend to the individuals in his charge,” said Linda Misasi, CCL’s executive director.

“Fishing is one of Clarence’s favorite pastimes,” she said. “Sometimes he takes the men from 505 Eunice along to fish, and they always enjoy spending this time with him.”

Besides volunteering his time to fish with the men, Walker has taken on the task of catching enough fish each year for a fish fry at CCL’s summer camp.

Another person who is well aware of Walker’s habit of going the extra mile is Tracy Lawson, team leader at 505 Eunice.

“Clarence tills a garden plot at the residence on his own time so the individuals in El Dorado can experience gardening and fresh produce,” Lawson said.

It is not uncommon for Walker to report for work with “just a little something I picked up for the guys.” Examples of these special treats are pecans purchased from a parishioner, a pillow that fits into a new wheelchair to aid in comfort, and fresh fish for supper.

“But Clarence’s giving exceeds the tangible,” Lawson said. “He occasionally brings his bike to work so he can accompany a new, and much younger, client on bike rides. This is not easy for Clarence, but he gives it his all.”

Walker occasionally conducts chapel services for El Dorado clients and has also presided at several funerals.

“These services are specifically designed by Walker, based on the person’s likes and dislikes,” Misasi said. A service for a 505 Eunice resident who died was “a celebration of the individual’s life that only a good friend could have designed. He even arranged for his church family to provide fried chicken for the luncheon following the service.”

Besides all he does for CCL clients, Walker sometimes takes on the role of being a mentor for fellow staff members.

“There’s a question in the promotion interview for direct support professionals,” said Lawson, “that asks ‘What employee has influenced and/or inspired you the most at CCL?’ The frequent reply in El Dorado is ‘Clarence Walker.’”

Walker moved to El Dorado from Arkansas in 1963. He was employed by Frontier Refinery for 29 years before retiring in 1998. He graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2000. He and his wife, Esther, have seven children.

“Working at CCL is the most enjoyable job I’ve ever had,” he said. “You feel like you’re accomplishing something for someone else. That accomplishment gives you joy and contentment.”