Obituaries

Richard Allen Walker

11/09/1931 - 08/14/2019

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Obituary For Richard Allen Walker

Richard Allen Walker was born in Jamaica, Iowa on November 9, 1931 to Dewey S. Walker and Florence L (Smith) Walker. Graveside memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Richland Cemetery for Richard Walker, age 87, formerly of Perry and Jamaica, IA. Military honors will be conducted at the graveside service. Memorials in Richard’s name will be directed to the Jamaica Community Center and may be sent to Murdock Funeral Home.

Richard passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison. He grew up on the original Walker Family Homestead built by William Walker in 1871. The farm was designated a Century Farm in 1982. This was an honor shared by Richard and all members of the Walker Family. He learned to farm there and as a boy developed a love for the land, a love that defined his life. Richard raised his family in Jamaica and Perry. On Sundays the families met at the family farm for dinner; a tradition of good food, cards and stories where we learned the heritage of the Walker Family and were surrounded by the love of so many family members including Aunt Bev and Uncle Bob.

Richard graduated from Jamaica High School in 1949 where he met the love of his life and future wife Donna Mae Shaffer, who he married on March 17, 1951. They had four children; Denise, Debra, David and Drew. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. While raising his family he worked on the family farm, delivered milk for Borden’s and had many successful business ventures including an electrical, repair and construction business with his brother Robert. The young family made trips to Springbrook for swimming and camping, took part in Jamaica town celebrations, played at the Walker Farm and made trips to visit Donna’s parents in Charles City.

Eventually Richard fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning his own farm in Guthrie County. He worked his fields and raised his cattle while also working the family farm. Everyone will remember his friendly and helpful expertise down at Don’s TV in Perry.

Richard was a Master Mason and Commander of the American Legion in Perry, Iowa.

Richard first and foremost loved his family, his farms and taking care of his cattle – often under the stars. He was most happy with his family gathered around him at the annual Walker Picnic. On any visits spent at this home the day started with his oven-baked cinnamon rolls. Later he would prepare us one of our favorites – a batch of his personal recipe potato soup or chicken and noodles (of course with Beverly’s noodles). The day always ended with his famous homemade vanilla ice cream or a crate of peaches and cream. In the evening and often late into the night, Richard shared stories about his life on the family farm and special moments spent with family and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Florence Walker; brother Roger Walker; sister-in-law Darlene (Robert) Walker; brother-in-law Gale (Beverly) Whiton; son-in-law Wayne (Debra) Wingert and many other beloved family members and friends.

Richard is survived by his first wife Donna (Shaffer) Walker of Denison, IA; his children Denise (William) Walker of Woodbine, IA; Drew (Tami) Walker of Plainfield, IL; and their families including eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; his sister Beverly Whiton of Perry, IA; his brother Robert (Darlene) Walker of Cedar Rapids, IA; and their families.

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