Walter Volker

1923 - 2013

Walter F. Volker

SALISBURY—Walter F. Volker, 89, of Salisbury passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2013, just 10 days away from his 90th birthday.

Walt was born on June 7, 1923, in Baltimore to his parents, the late Walter H. Volker and Anna M. Hahn. His sister, Carolyn, predeceased him in 2009. Growing up in Baltimore, Walt attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, where he competed in track and field. Walt was proud to have served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, serving aboard the patrol frigate USS Peoria, as well as other assignments defending the eastern seaboard from German U-boats.

Walt learned to love the Eastern Shore of Maryland when his family vacationed in Betterton, Md., at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. He graduated from Washington College in 1951 and later settled in Chestertown after graduation. After graduating from a life insurance marketing course at Purdue University in 1954, Walt opened an independent insurance agency selling for American Life and Health, Connecticut Mutual and Guarantee Trust Life, among many other fine insurance companies. Walt was known for his dedicated service to his insurance clients and served as president of the Delmarva Association of Life Underwriters from 1980 to 1981.

Walt's claim to fame was captured when he reenacted the historic ride of Lt. Col. Tench Tilghman to promote the first Chestertown Tea Party celebration in 1967. Tilghman was George Washington's aide de camp who took the news of Cornwallis' surrender to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Walt replicated the journey by boat and horseback and was forever known for repeating the historic event.

In 1968, Walt married the former Annie Lou (Oakley) Sharpe and became a stepfather to Lou's children. The family enjoyed life in Salisbury and often spent weekends on their houseboat, the H.B. Annie Lou.

During midlife, Walt made a faith commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, securing his place in eternity. During this period of his life, Walt was at various times active in the ministries of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Salisbury, Family Ministries Fellowship in Bridgeville and Holy Trinity Cathedral (Anglican) in Berlin, as well as serving as the chef during Episcopal Cursillo retreats.

Walt is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lou; stepdaughter, Joan Sharpe of Virginia Beach, Va.,; stepson, John Sharpe of Salisbury; nephews, Mike Coakley of Chestertown, Jim Taylor of Towson, Troy Taylor of Annapolis; niece, Karen (Coakley) Evans of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; and many clients and friends.

A visitation will be held at Holloway Funeral Home Thursday evening, June 6, from 6-8 p.m. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Walt's birthday, June 7, at 2 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at the Still Pond Cemetery in Kent County at 11 a.m. Monday, June 10.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Walt to Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, Berlin, MD 21811.

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home PA at 501 Snow Hill Road in Salisbury. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.