Raymond F. Walker

Raymond Frederick Walker, proud Westsider, age 94 died peacefully July 19, 2017. He has rejoined his beautiful wife Dorothy Mae (Steiner) Walker whom he married on November 28, 1947. He and Dotty enjoyed 58 years together. They were loving parents to three children, Bethanna Vance (Travis), Janalou Stogell (Martin) and John Walker (Tricia) and were blessed with four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Ray was born January 9, 1923 at 309 West Heights Road to Raymond Wesley Walker and Mable Susanne Walker. Ray's siblings were sisters Louise Lamb, Mildred Smith and brother Henry Radigan. He graduated from F.J. Reitz in 1940, where he performed as a yell leader and a drummer in concert & marching band. Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp on January 29th, 1941, rising to the level of Staff Sergeant. During his five years of service he spent 21 months as crew chief of a sheet metal repair unit during WW2 in the jungles of China and Burma. He proudly held membership in the VFW and American Legion after his return stateside. He was a member of Reed Lodge 316 for 72 years, the Scottish Rite and Hadi Shrine Temple. At Hadi he enjoyed his time as a Drum and Bugle Corp member, serving as president. He also played in and served on the board of the Hadi Golf club. In 1990 Ray and Dorothy retired together from the University of Southern Indiana, he was the equipment manager of the Physical Activities Center. Where he could often be heard greeting people with "Hey Hero!" as they came in. During his time at USI he developed a love for the Screaming Eagles, having great fun as a Varsity Club member and board member. Ray was proud of his membership in the Westside Nut Club. He first joined in 1955 and was happy to have once been honored with the International Presidency, a spot on the board of directors and a life membership. He built a lifetime of friends at the Helfrich Men's Golf Club where he was awarded a life membership for service on the board. Ray caddied as a youngster at Helfrich while growing up just behind six green. If you knew Ray, you know he was a talented woodworker, sign painter, handyman and knick knack artist. If he envisioned it, he could create it. For their wonderful care our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Deaconess ICU, unit 5100 and Drs. Henry and Dauer as well as the giving folks with Heritage Center and Heritage Hospice. Thank you to everyone at Holiday Village for making Dad a welcome member of your community. Funeral services for Ray will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, Rev. Rod Hoschouer officiating. Burial will follow in Tupman Cemetery, where the Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans will conduct military rites. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday from 1:00 until 5:00 P.M, where Reed Lodge #316 will conduct a memorial service at 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers please donate to either the Hadi Shrine hospital transportation fund, 6 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47708 or the USI Varsity Club, 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, IN 47712. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Raymond F. Walker

January 9, 1923 - July 19, 2017