Ernest Walcher

Ernest Walcher of Woodward was inducted into the Panhandle State Association Alumni Ambassador Hall of Fame at the annual meeting held on April 22nd in the Noble Cultural and Activity Center on the OPSU campus in Goodwell. Dr. Doris Looper, executive secretary of the Panhandle State Foundation and long-time friend, introduced Ernie and presented him with his plaque of induction. Ernie was selected for the honor by the Panhandle State Association Board of Directors at their April 1, 2006 meeting.

Walcher is a 1959 graduate of Panhandle A&M College, with a B.S. in social studies. He has been a life member of the Panhandle State Association of Alumni & Friends since 1980. As an broker with Edward Jones, Ernie has guided and handled investments for the Panhandle State Foundation for many years, supporting his alma mater by helping its scholarship program grow.

After graduation in 1959, Ernie began a career in teaching and coaching in Oklahoma public schools. He also earned his masters degree and moved for a time to Durango, Colo., and Liberal, Kan. He moved up into administration, becoming a junior high school principal in Liberal. In 1974 the Ernie moved his family to Woodward where he opened an investment brokerage office for Edward D. Jones. In the past 32 years, Ernie has guided many residents of the high plains in wisely investing their funds.

Walcher and his wife, Ellen Kay, have two children: Dana Diedrich of Perryton, Texas, and Rocky Walcher of Oklahoma City. They also have four grandchildren.