Our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 22, 2011. He was born to Elizabeth and Lewis Walker on March 21, 1930 in Martin, South Dakota. He and his family came to Washington in 1937 and finally settled in Kennewick. He graduated from Kennewick High School in 1948. Immediately upon graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1948 to 1952 during which he saw combat in the Korean War. He married Virginia M. (Abbenhaus) Ice on August 18, 1956. They had been friends since 1937 when their families met in Prosser, WA.
After years of various occupations, he became the credit manager for the Yakima Herald Republic and was one of the owners of Action Collectors, a family business. Mr. Walker spent countless hours involved with various community services including the American Legion, 40 et 8, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He was also instrumental in aiding the Yakima Credit Association to start the Consumer Credit Counseling Service.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Virginia Walker, stepson William Ice (Jo Ann) of Yakima, WA, daughter Denise Vogel (Rene;) of Kirkand, WA, and son Kyle Walker (Sara) of Huntington Beach, CA, as well as 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren plus 2 on the way.
Mr. Walker was preceded in death by three of his children: Barbara Pryor, Alicia Walker and Royce Walker (his three guardian angels). He was also preceded in death by 5 siblings: Elnora DeJong, Viola Chapman, Ruth Sweda, Helen Baker and Lewis M. Walker.
The Rosary will be held at the chapel at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Terrace Heights on Thursday, November 3rd at 6:00 pm. Viewing will start at 3:00 pm prior to the Rosary. Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Friday, November 4th at 10:00 am. Interment will immediately follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a vision-related charity.
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