Wayne D. Walk Sr.

Wayne D. Walk Sr., LT. COL., United States Air Force, Retired, 74, of Rural Retreat, Va., passed away early Wednesday, November 25, 2009. He was born in Itmann, W.Va., on January 3, 1935, the son of the late Henry Alexander Walk and Ethel Virginia Porter Walk Grubb. Wayne was a member of the Rural Retreat Lions Club, American Legion Post #229, the VFW, an active member of the Rural Retreat Church of Christ, and a member of the Club 55 Bowling League. Lt. Col. Walk graduated from Mullens High School, Mullens, W.Va., in May 1952.
After attending Concord College, Athens, W.Va., for almost two years, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in May 1954. He served in the enlisted ranks for over 10 years and received his commission as a 2nd Lt. through the Airmen's Education and Commissioning Program. He graduated from Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, with a bachelor's degree in business administration in June 1964. As an enlisted man, Lt. Col. Walk worked in the Intelligence, Radar, Personnel and Administrative career fields. During this time, he studied Korean Language and other Far Eastern Studies for one year at Yale University. During his tenure as an officer, Lt. Col. Walk worked in the Auditing and Intelligence career fields. He served as the Resident Auditor in Maine and West Germany as well as Audit Manager in Massachusetts and Ohio. He also completed an extended tour of Southeast Asia serving in South Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. From 1979 to 1981, Lt. Col. Walk worked in the Psychological Operations Area in South Korea where he worked with both U.S. and Republic of Korea Forces. In addition to his undergraduate degree, Lt. Col. Walk received his master's degree in education from Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich., in 1975. He also graduated from Squadron Officer's School, Air Command and Staff College as well as the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
The following is a list of the decorations/awards that Lt. Col. Walk received during his U.S. Air Force Career: Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal with one Bronze Star, AF Good Conduct Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with three Bronze Knots, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Longevity Award with one Silver Star and one Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
He last worked as a Senior Supply Planner/Planning Branch Supervisor with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Claire Jean Favro Walk; his children, Brenda Gargas and husband, Jim, of Fremont, N.H., B.J. Walk , and Wayne D. Walk Jr., both of Rural Retreat; two grandchildren, Jay and Matthew Gargas; a brother, Lewis Walk and wife, Connie, of Rural Retreat; two sisters-in-law, Sue LaDuke, of Rouses Point, N.Y., and Barbara Filion and husband, Richard, of Champlain, N.Y.; three brothers-in-law, Joe Favro, Gary Favro and wife, Christine, all of Rouses Point, N.Y., and David Favro and wife, Rita , of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at the Lindsey Funeral Chapel with Preacher Billy Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery with Military Rites being conducted by American Legion Post #229 assisted by the 760TH Engineering Company of Marion, Va. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, December 1, 2009, at the Lindsey Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. or at the residence at any time. The family suggests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.
Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, Va., is in charge of arrangements.