Walker, Wilson
1940 - 2017
Wilson Thomas Walker, 76, born December 20, 1940 in Birmingham, AL, passed away September 19, 2017. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from North Carolina A&T State University, and was the owner and operator of Wilson's Environmental Laboratory, Inc. in Westerville, OH. A longtime member and past president of The Rotary Club of Columbus, Wilson also served on the boards of COSI and Ohio Dominican University. Preceded in death by parents, Eloise Saunders and Ernest Walker. Survived by wife Janice "Sheri" Walker; son Brian Walker; sisters Myrna Mourning and Donna Knight; brother Ernest (Rita) Walker; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Barry (Janice) Stewart, Harley (Iva Jean) Stewart, Darrell Stewart, and Keith (Suzanne) Stewart; and a host of other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Vineyard Columbus, 6000 Cooper Rd., Westerville, where his family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the start of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to The Columbus Zoo, https://give.columbuszoo.org/commemorative-gifts. For more information and to express condolences to the Walker family, please visit Wilson's online memory book at www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Sep. 23 to Sep. 24, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilson Walker

Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.

5 Entries

Michael Renz

September 17, 2023

It doesnt seem like six years already. When my wife and I bought our dream home back in 1997, Wilson was kind enough to show up with a housewarming gift. One of the things Wilson did for all of us, was present an example of how to be gracious. Being a hot-headed Irishman myself, I often invoke Wilson's memory when I need to respond to a difficult situation with grace. His memory helps me be a more civil person.

Michael Renz

September 17, 2020

I miss my friend.
and think of him often.

Michael E. Renz

September 17, 2019

It was my privilege to be a friend of Wilson's. We worked together for many years on various environmental projects starting back in the late 80s up to when a stroke took him from the business. Wilson had a HUGE impact on me. I use Wilson's memory as a standard of graciousness, kindness and good form to this very day.

Wilson was a man of remarkable character. He was open and would share his insights in the most generous way. After Wilson started the lab, he gave me advice that helped me make the same leap - and to do successfully.

The things I recall most clearly about Wilson are his calm, polite demeanor, his understated dignity, his generosity and the respect and love he expressed for his beautiful wife.

I only recently fulfilled a promise that I made to Wilson in 1994: I learned to dance. One of the topics Wilson and I discussed at length was what it took to be a man. One of my deficiencies was being able to dance. A man should always be able to show a lady a good time - and dancing was a key part of that. Wilson spoke with delight as he recounted dancing with his beautiful wife. It was a "gift" I needed to give to my wife as well. How Wilson spoke about his wife was one of the things I loved about him most.

I grieve with the Walker family, but I also take great comfort in one of the many gifts Wilson left for his family: He gave them the gift of being a man they could be VERY proud of. That will serve them all for generations to come.

Wilson continues to be a friend of mine. I think of him often, especially when I am trying to be a better man.

I am deeply grateful for the time I had with him and for the friendship he shared with me. I only wish he could have stayed longer.

Respectfully,
Mike Renz

Michael Renz

May 30, 2018

I just discovered Wilsons Obituary. Wilson and I worked together in the 90s on various environmental projects. I am more than sad to learn of his passing. I admired so many things about Wilson. He was a calm, thoughtful, decent and brilliant man. He also was kind. However, what I admired most about him, was his respect, appreciation and love for his wife. Wilson and I had a number of long and important conversations. We both broke off and started our own businesses at about the same time. Wilson was 16 years older than me and he was a source of good advice and wisdom.

I am grateful that we were friends - and I regret that we lost touch after his stroke.

Wilson Walker made the world a better place - and he improved the lives of all that knew him. Wilsons family, especially his children have much to be proud of. Most of all, I hope his wife knows how deeply she was loved by Wilson. Of all things, I admired that most about him.

I leave a photo of a rainbow I took last week in the Flint Hills of Kansas- for me its always been a symbol of God's promise. I hope to see my buddy again some day.

Ray Bostic

September 25, 2017

Sheri:

Infirmities will keep me from being with you tomorrow, but Wilson's life was one to be celebrated; he was a remarkable man. Pat and I will continue to treasure our short time with you and Wilson at the Rotary Convention in Calgary.
Condolences and the best of everything to you. Pat and Ray Bostic

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