Richard Walker

1941 - 2022

Richard Walker

Richard Walker peacefully passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the age of 80 years. Born November 9, 1941, the son of Richard and Irma Walker. Dick was raised in Trilby in the house he helped to build as a young boy by carrying all of the brick.

At Trilby Elementary and Whitmer High School, Class of 1959, he made friends with whom he remained close through the rest of his life. At age twelve his interest in cars, trucks, and motorcycles began when he became the owner of a very old pick-up truck, which he drove up and down the long driveway, with his sisters and neighbor kids riding in the back. Over the years he owned vintage Jeeps and motorcycles, many more pick- up trucks, and was never without at least one motorcycle to ride.

Dick was a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1961-1964 with the 82nd Airborne Division as an Airborne Ranger and weapons expert. He had never been in an airplane until his first jump and rarely landed in one after that. His company was on a Florida tarmac during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was a long- time active member of Temperance American Legion Post 192, serving 6 years as Chaplain. He valued his friendships with fellow vets and especially loved talking with WWII vets, which furthered his knowledge of military history and aircraft.

In 1969, he fulfilled a dream of his father's, by outfitting a van and driving to Alaska, where they camped and explored for a month. Dick liked the Tigers, Red Wings, beer, euchre and collecting things; lots of things that he, or someone he knew, or might know, might need, some day. He was skilled at many things including carpentry, electrical, plumbing and especially welding. If something needed to be built, repaired, remodeled, restored or modified, he could do it. And he did it often for family, friends, neighbors. He collected tools and thoughtfully gifted them to those he cared about and were starting out.

While Dick's work life began at age 13 setting pins at Trilby Lanes, his career was a union sheet metal worker with various contractors. He served as Recording Secretary and later President of S.M.W.I.A , Local 6, and retired after 12+ years as business agent of Local 33. He was a proud and dedicated union man. He was very knowledgeable about labor union history which evolved into interest in both local and national politics.

Aside from Dick being very committed to his work life, he was also a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son and friend. From a young age, he lived life with a strong sense of responsibility, generosity and kindness. Those dearest to him would best describe him as thoughtful, caring and dependable. He was never too busy to offer a helping hand, advice or his wisdom to loved ones.

Dick is survived by his daughters, Molly (Mike Doubek) Walker and Michele (Dave) Kwiatkowski; grandchildren, Jessica (Cory Schoendorf), J.D., Jacob, Julia and Jocelyn Kwiatkowski; grandchildren, Olivia (Tylor Mills) and Cain (Zoe) Lohmeyer; sisters, Karen (Rick) Keck and Kathy (Bob) Vasquez; nephews, Stephen (Monica) and David (Erica) Vasquez and Jon (Kayli) Keck; and former wife, Martie Walker. Also surviving are cousins to whom he remained very close. He was preceded in death by his parents; as well as Denny Spencer and Mick Shaw, cousins who were like brothers to him.

To his co-workers, classmates, neighbors, and fellow vets, you should know that Dick highly valued your friendship. In Dicks words, "I tried to be a good son, brother, father, grandfather, worker, soldier, friend and person." We think he more than succeeded. Rest in Peace.

Visitation will be at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd, Toledo, OH 43623 on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 4:00pm-8:00pm, and funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 11:00am followed by burial at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, 4210 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43606.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Dick's favorite charities: Cherry Street Mission or Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank.