David Richard Walker, 77, was born in Satsop, Wash on Oct. 7, 1938, by Jesse Irven and Jessie Walker. He grew up in Port Townsend but had moved in his senior year and graduated from Wishkah Valley High School in Aberdeen, Wash. He entered the Navy in 1957 and retired 22 years later in 1979 so he could care for his mother whose health was failing. While in the Navy he was aboard several ships but his favorite was the USS Midway. It accommodated 5,000 crewmen and it had two galleys in which he was one of the Master Chef’s. He advanced to this position quickly because of his superior capabilities and excellent management skills. He was able to make many improvements that made the working conditions much more efficient and productive in a short amount of time. He utilized his co-workers in such a way that made his projects cost productive. Also at this time, he was responsible for setting up a program that incorporated both military and civilian employees to work together as a harmonious team. He was given many outstanding awards for going above and beyond the call of duty. David was good at his job and he loved doing it. Above all, he loved the Navy!
David married Patricia J. Johnson in Costa Rica on Jan. 23, 1996. He worked at Falls Creek in Lebam and at Alder House in South Bend, Wash. as a cook for several years. One of his hobbies that he enjoyed was wood working. He made many novelties that he loved giving away.
David is survived by his wife, Patricia J. Walker and her six children: Marcia Dea Mullins, Twyla Belmont, LaVerne Goff, Cliff Johnson, Cheryle Trautman, Gordon Johnson and many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His father and mother, Irven and Jessie Walker and his two sisters, Dorothy Walker and Irvanna Ramsey, of Churubusco, Ind. and his brother Jim Walker have all preceded him in death. David is survived by six nieces and nephews of Irvanna Ramsey whose names are: Kenneth, Kerwin, Keith, Kelvin, Ruth Ann, and Juanita and also another niece, LaJune Gray of Bremerton, Wash. whose father was Jim Walker. David was also very close to his Aunt Thelma Jacobs who lives in Goldendale, Wash.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Cross Roads Church, 707 Commercial Street, Raymond, Wash. Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen. To sign the online book of memories please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com.
