TOPPENISH — The odds of failing were not in Howard Walker’s favor.  Fifty-three years ago, according to the Toppenish Review of 1983, a friend told Walker he would never make it starting a tire store in Toppenish, a small town with two other tire stores, yet he is still here. 
Walker’s parents arrived in Toppenish in 1918 after a 30-day trip by covered wagon from Montana. Walker was born in Prosser and raised on a two hundred acre farm. 
“I’m the oldest active business man in the Yakima Valley,” Howard Walker, owner of Howard’s OK Tires, Moxee Innovation, and Cascade Brush Company, said. 
In 1956 Walker opened an O.K Tire Factory Chain in Toppenish.  Ten years later he moved from the original location and has been in the same spot ever since.  His sons started working alongside their father at the ages of 14, and his daughter and wife helped with the bookkeeping.
Walker had four sons and a daughter.  They all attended college in Washington state and Howard said, “I am so proud of all of them.” 
Howards O.K. Tires has advertised regularly with the Review since 1956 according to Walker. 
“The entire Walker family is very loyal, doing things that go above and beyond what the customer relationship requires. They love customer service and they make a point of remembering names, and take pride in their work,” Patti Jones, who worked for the Walker family for a total of 14 years said.
Another employee said, “They are always working for their community and the Yakima Nation donating turkeys to food bank. They have taken a real interest in Toppenish”. 
Walker donated about ten thousand dollars to the Toppenish hospital, “years ago,” he said.  Walker has invested in the people of Toppenish as well as their institutions. 
“He’s always willing to help anyone out who is down on their luck,” Jones said. 
It is clear from friends and family that Howard has lived a full life, filled with generosity, adventure and a true love for his family.