Bernard Richard “Rich” Walker 86 of Amesville was called home on March 22, 2024, at Mount Carmel East Hospital, Columbus surrounded by his family. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Barbara. Born July 8, 1937, in Washington, PA, he was the son of the late Eugene and Dorothy McKnight Walker and stepfather, Ruben Wade. Rich started his career at the Ford River Rouge Plant in Detroit, MI while working toward his apprenticeship with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Portsmouth Local 577. He retired in 1998 after 35 plus years of service and enjoyed retirement with Barb, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was a member of the Glouster Church of Christ, Glouster Loyal Order of Moose #1197, Glouster Fraternal Order of Eagles #468, Glouster Masonic Lodge #607 F.&A.M., and a charter member of the Lions Club. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed playing pool, gardening, and working around his property. Richard will be remembered most for his outgoing personality and his witty sense of humor that he shared with anyone he came in contact with. Rich married Barbara on September 26, 1957. They had a wonderful life raising their four children and were avid travelers in retirement.
He is survived by a son, Richard Walker of Glouster; three daughters, Dianna (Dan) Whims of Pickerington, Jeannie (Mike) Belcher of Pickerington, and Michelle Walker of The Plains; 11 grandchildren, Angie Kasler, Jason Tippie, Rich Walker, Jessica Bycofski, Jenna Stenson, Zac Belcher, Kaitlin Standley, Josie Bralek, Ryan Belcher, Sidney Dunfee, and Danielle Hess; 13 great grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Nelson of Washington, PA; sisters-in-law, Joynette Walker of Washington, PA, Monna (Jim) Taylor and Dianna “Toots” Harper, both of Glouster; brothers-in-law, Richard “Dickie” (Eleanore) Russell of Georgia, and Rich Mirola of Cleveland; several nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Sandy Gabriel.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara in 2016; sisters, Jeannie Mirola and Francs and John “Jack” Anderson; a brother, Chuck Walker; brothers-in-law, Kenny Russell and Rodney “Buck” Harper; and in-laws, Opal and Lowell Russell.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday March 28, 2024, at the Bishopville Church of Christ with Jerry Marang officiating. Interment will be in the Maplewood Cemetery, Glouster. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of service. There will be a masonic service held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Contributions can be made to American Cancer Society in honor of Barbara Walker, 5555 Frantz Rd. Dublin, Ohio 43017 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 575 Copeland Mill Rd. Suite 1A, Westerville, Ohio 43081. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morrison Funeral Chapel, Glouster-Bishopville. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the tribute wall at www.morrisonfc.com.
