Richard Brown Walker

RICHARD BROWN WALKER passed away at Hubbard Hospice House on December 23, 2025. He was 87 years old.
Dick was born July 12, 1938, in Charleston, West Virginia, to parents Cecil and Jennie Marie Walker. He grew up on Superior Avenue in South Charleston, where he attended First Methodist Church of South Charleston. He attended Zogg O'Dell Elementary School, South Charleston Junior High, Georgia Military Academy and graduated from South Charleston High School. He went on to study at West Virginia University, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration and was a member of Kappa Alpha Order.
Immediately upon graduation from WVU, Dick followed in his father Cecil's footsteps and began a 50-year career at Cecil I. Walker Machinery Co. He retired as Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Caterpillar dealership.
Dick served on boards at Charleston National Bank, One Valley Bank, University of Charleston, Charleston Chamber of Commerce, United Way and Upper Kanawha YMCA. He was a member of Rotary Club of Charleston and the American Guild of Organists. He served on the vestry at various churches through the years.
While he was naturally talented in business and accounting practices, his passion was music. This interest began in early childhood with a particular fascination with the organ. His love for organ, classical and choral music remained throughout life. He enjoyed serving as choir director and arranging music for many churches including Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, St. Timothy's in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, St. John's Episcopal Church, and finally at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart where he converted to Catholicism. One of his greatest joys was leading the Sacred Heart choir in a performance at The Vatican in 2002.
Dick spent decades researching his family's ancestry. Because of that wealth of knowledge, combined with his excellent memory, he would enthusiastically share the best stories, and we are grateful.
Other interests and hobbies Dick pursued with great enthusiasm included reading, trains/train history, farming, photography and antiques.
After nearly 45 years of living on "The Farm" located outside Hurricane, WV, Dick made the move to Edgewood Summit with his wife June where they were welcomed by neighbors who became dear friends.
Dick is survived by sons Mike Walker (Beth) of Pinehurst, NC, and Pat Walker (Beth) of Charleston, WV; daughter Caroline Coleman (Wayne) of Murrells Inlet, SC; stepsons Doug Price (Annie) of Charleston, WV, Dave Price (Angie) of Cranberry Township, PA, and Greg Price (Michel) of Huntington, WV; grandchildren Jennifer, Catherine, Francis and Lewis; step-grandchildren John, Marshall, Hunter, James, Gabe, Lafe, Alaina, Luke, Sophia and Sean; brother Steve Walker (Diane); his first wife and the mother of his children Catherine Crotty; nieces Jennifer, Elizabeth and Mary; and nephew Brad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 23 years June Price Walker, his sister Suzanne Walker Weber, and an infant sister Janet Carolyn Walker.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Hubbard Hospice House, and Chelsea and James of A Special Touch In-Home Care.
Memorial service will be held on January 24, 2026, at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Charleston, WV, with the Very Rev. Father Donald X. Higgs officiating. More information will be made available closer to the service date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hubbard Hospice House at hospicecarewv.org (or mailed to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Curtis Price Way, Charleston, WV 25311); or to Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral for the "Parish Endowment Fund" at sacredheartcocathedral.com (or mailed to Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral at 1114 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301).
You may send condolences to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.