Richard K Walker's Obituary
Richard K. Walker Sr. born July 28 1931 in Kenilworth, Chicago Illinois. Died January 24 2018. The son of William John James Walker of Edinburgh, Scotland and Dora Waddell Walker of Surrey, England. He is predeceased by his son Richard “Kent” Walker ll and by his brother William R. Walker. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara A. Walker, his daughter Whitney A. Walker and grandson Richard K. Walker lll.Richard moved to Dallas as a child where he lived in the Park Cities and later on San Fernando Way where he enjoyed sailing on his families boat at The White Rock Yacht Club and riding their horses stabled behind their home. Richard graduated from The Cathedral School for Boys (St. Mark’s School Alumni). Richard then graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BS in Engineering. He enjoyed being a cheerleader at Kentucky during the exciting Adolf Rupp NCAA Championships of 1948, 49 and 51.He graduated from US Military Officers school with the highest score in celestial navigation at that time. As a Marine Jet Fighter Pilot, he was a public relations poster boy for the Marine press due to his good humor, photogenic looks, and 6’4″ frame. He served in Japan at the end of the Korean War. He was known for his rooster tail takeoff from aircraft carriers. His favorite jet to fly was the F-14 Hellcat. While in Japan, he climbed Mount Fuji and developed his lifetime interest in Asian Antiquities.In the reserves Richard was a daring Navy test pilot. He chose to land a plane with the engine on fire after being ordered to eject. He disobeyed orders due to his concern the plane would crash into a suburban neighborhood and he won the military court battle. Richard joined civilian service as an Aerospace engineer and was President of Walker Diagnostics Company. Among many of his projects he was project manager of diagnostic software for the Space Station Freedom and the Stealth Bomber.In the 1960’s and 70’s he and his wife, who was a talented horse trainer, built a premier equestrian horse farm “Willow Hill Farm”. In the late 1970’s he spent several years in Asia for business with his wife and son. Later Richard’s family and their horses moved to the mountains of Temecula, California where he continued projects in aerospace design and flew his planes to work daily, including his beloved Mooney M20F. During this time he taught his son to be a private pilot and they enjoyed flying up to Lake Tahoe for skiing and down to Baja Mexico for scuba diving.After retiring he helped his daughter grow her business as President of The Antique Drapery Rod Company Inc. for over 20 years and more recently Anna Sova Organic Home. Together they developed multiple patents, including their paint based on food ingredients and traveled the world. Richard was particularly supportive of their successful homeless hiring program and was known for literally giving away the coat off his back when needed.He leaves behind his beloved grandson Richard K. Walker lll whom he started on FAA flight software at age 9 and joined him on his private pilot lessons starting at age 13. They were the two musketeers laughing and joking their way thru life together.A member of the Highland Park Masonic lodge since the 1960’s. He was Chaplain of the Highland Park Lodge and Knights of St. Andrew of the Scottish Rite and was truly honored to be included in this brotherhood. He is remembered affectionately by his friends for his high standards of integrity, as a gentleman with kind manners, a quick wit, a handkerchief, and a helping hand whenever needed.Services on Saturday February 3 2018. Military and Masonic Honors at Abbey Chapel, Restland Dallas at 11:30am. Memorial Service at St Michael and All Angels Church on Douglas at 1:00pm, reception at 2:00pm. Donations in lieu of flowers to The Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, Richard K. Walker Sr.
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