Obituary for Richard Luther Walker
On Monday, October 26, 2020, the Walker family lost the patriarch of their family, Richard L. Walker, at age 96.
Richard was born and raised in Colorado Springs by Dr. W. L. and Edna Walker. He attended Garfield Elementary, North Junior High, and Colorado Springs High School (later named Palmer High School). His first job after high school was a summer job to help build the barracks, administration buildings and airfields of what would become Peterson Field, which is now the current site of the Olympic Training Center.
In the fall of 1942, he attended the University of Kentucky until he was drafted into the U. S. Army in World War II at the age of 19. He would often tell the story of how he and his military pack each weighed 95lbs. He was assigned to the All Black 546th Support Battalion in Weymouth, England, which worked with D day aftermath. Later he returned to and graduated from the University of Kentucky, with a major in Chemistry. He worked as a chemist for Holly Sugar helping to formulate their new product, brown sugar. Later he had a successful career at the Fort Carson financial office as an accountant, from which he later retired. He was so industrious that he often worked at Central Bank, too. His knowledge of finances was something he readily wanted to share with others, so he started an investment club called Opportunities Unlimited. “Make your money work as hard for you as you work for it” was something he often said.
Richard was a quiet man, but a strong Christian. He was baptized as a youth at Trinity Missionary Baptist
Church, where he became a layman and helped to establish a scholarship fund. He remained a member until his death. Richard also assisted the finance committee at Peoples United Methodist Church. His mother served as music director at both churches.
He met the love of his life and future wife of 60 years, Gwendolyn, on the steps of Trinity. Together they had 3 children, built their dream home in the suburbs, chased their dreams, and weathered the storms together, always looking to the Lord. They always seemed to be together with a united front encouraging education, civic duty, and honoring the Lord.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. W.L. Walker and Edna Walker; his sister Edween (Walker) Bryant, and his nephew Lester Bryant.
He leaves behind his beautiful wife, Gwendolyn Walker and his 3 children and their spouses: Dr. Brenda Walker-Conner and Nathan Conner; Richard Walker and companion Delores Brooks; Robert Walker and Tywanna Walker; six grandchildren:Tamara Morris; Ashley Walker; Natacia (Conner) Murray and Michael Murray; Breanna ( Conner) Eto and Naoyuki Eto; Brittany (Walker) Berry and Jacobi Berry; and Elicia Conner. Richard has 6 great grandchildren: Tamiya Gardner; Ta'mareon Cutts; Cherish Weddington; Lyric Weddington; Layla Murray and Kayden Murray. He also leaves behind his nephew Charles Gant, niece Deniece White and a host of grand and great grand nephews and nieces.
We will miss his quiet but prudent wisdom, insight, and love. On Nov 6 at 10 am at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, we will celebrate his life and homegoing.
Richard was born and raised in Colorado Springs by Dr. W. L. and Edna Walker. He attended Garfield Elementary, North Junior High, and Colorado Springs High School (later named Palmer High School). His first job after high school was a summer job to help build the barracks, administration buildings and airfields of what would become Peterson Field, which is now the current site of the Olympic Training Center.
In the fall of 1942, he attended the University of Kentucky until he was drafted into the U. S. Army in World War II at the age of 19. He would often tell the story of how he and his military pack each weighed 95lbs. He was assigned to the All Black 546th Support Battalion in Weymouth, England, which worked with D day aftermath. Later he returned to and graduated from the University of Kentucky, with a major in Chemistry. He worked as a chemist for Holly Sugar helping to formulate their new product, brown sugar. Later he had a successful career at the Fort Carson financial office as an accountant, from which he later retired. He was so industrious that he often worked at Central Bank, too. His knowledge of finances was something he readily wanted to share with others, so he started an investment club called Opportunities Unlimited. “Make your money work as hard for you as you work for it” was something he often said.
Richard was a quiet man, but a strong Christian. He was baptized as a youth at Trinity Missionary Baptist
Church, where he became a layman and helped to establish a scholarship fund. He remained a member until his death. Richard also assisted the finance committee at Peoples United Methodist Church. His mother served as music director at both churches.
He met the love of his life and future wife of 60 years, Gwendolyn, on the steps of Trinity. Together they had 3 children, built their dream home in the suburbs, chased their dreams, and weathered the storms together, always looking to the Lord. They always seemed to be together with a united front encouraging education, civic duty, and honoring the Lord.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. W.L. Walker and Edna Walker; his sister Edween (Walker) Bryant, and his nephew Lester Bryant.
He leaves behind his beautiful wife, Gwendolyn Walker and his 3 children and their spouses: Dr. Brenda Walker-Conner and Nathan Conner; Richard Walker and companion Delores Brooks; Robert Walker and Tywanna Walker; six grandchildren:Tamara Morris; Ashley Walker; Natacia (Conner) Murray and Michael Murray; Breanna ( Conner) Eto and Naoyuki Eto; Brittany (Walker) Berry and Jacobi Berry; and Elicia Conner. Richard has 6 great grandchildren: Tamiya Gardner; Ta'mareon Cutts; Cherish Weddington; Lyric Weddington; Layla Murray and Kayden Murray. He also leaves behind his nephew Charles Gant, niece Deniece White and a host of grand and great grand nephews and nieces.
We will miss his quiet but prudent wisdom, insight, and love. On Nov 6 at 10 am at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, we will celebrate his life and homegoing.