George Herbert Walker III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Herbert Walker III
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| United States Ambassador to Hungary | |
| In office October 6, 2003 – August 4, 2006 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Nancy Brinker |
| Succeeded by | April H. Foley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 16, 1931 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | January 19, 2020 (aged 88) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Spouse | Carol Banta |
| Children | 5, including George Herbert Walker IV |
| Parents | George Herbert Walker Jr. Mary Carter |
| Relatives | David Davis Walker (great-grandfather) George Herbert Walker (grandfather) George H. W. Bush (cousin) George W. Bush (cousin) |
| Alma mater | Yale University Harvard Law School |
| Occupation | Businessman, diplomat |
George Herbert Walker III (born March 16, 1931 – died January 18, 2020) was an American businessman, diplomat, and generous giver. He worked as the United States Ambassador to Hungary from 2003 to 2006. He was a first cousin to former President George H. W. Bush. He was also a first cousin once removed to former President George W. Bush. This means George W. Bush was the son of his first cousin.
Growing Up and Education
George Herbert Walker III was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 16, 1931. His grandfather, George Herbert Walker, started a company called G. H. Walker & Co. This company later became part of a larger financial group. His father, George Herbert Walker Jr., helped create the New York Mets baseball team.
George H. W. Bush, who later became President of the United States, was his first cousin.
Walker went to Yale University and finished in 1953. He was part of a secret society there called Skull and Bones. After Yale, he studied law at Harvard Law School and earned his degree in 1955. He then served in the U.S. Air Force for two years. He worked as a legal advisor at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
Career Highlights
After his time in the Air Force, Walker returned to St. Louis. He first worked at his grandfather's company, G. H. Walker & Company. Later, in 1977, he joined another company called Stifel Nicolaus. During his time as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Stifel Nicolaus became a public company. This meant its shares could be bought and sold on the New York Stock Exchange.
In 1992, Walker ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He wanted to represent Missouri's 2nd Congressional District. However, he was defeated in the Republican primary election.
From 2003 to 2006, Walker served as the United States Ambassador to Hungary. He was appointed to this important role by his cousin, President George W. Bush. After his time as ambassador, in 2007, Walker became a general partner at the Danube Fund.
Giving Back: Philanthropy
George Herbert Walker III believed in giving back to his community. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Webster University starting in 1974. In 2005, he made a very generous donation to the university. Because of his gift, the business school was renamed the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology.
In 2016, Ambassador Walker and his wife, Dr. Carol Walker, made a special gift. This gift helped start The Walker Leadership Institute at Eden Theological Seminary. This institute helps leaders learn about working for the common good. It focuses on how business and faith can work together.
Family Life
George Herbert Walker III was married to Carol Banta. They had eight children together and fifteen grandchildren. His son, George Herbert Walker IV, is also a successful businessman. He is the Chief Executive Officer of an investment company called Neuberger Berman. George Herbert Walker III passed away on January 19, 2020, at the age of 88.
