Retired Air Force Major Robert Calhoun. Walker, 76, of DeFuniak Springs, FL, passed away Oct. 9, 2006. He was born Oct. 9, 1930 in Detroit, MI to Edwin and Virginia Walker. Maj. Walker had been a resident of DeFuniak Springs since 1999, after living the previous 28 years in Destin, FL. He retired as a major in the Air Force after more than 20 years of service.
Walker was raised in upstate N.Y., was a graduate of Earlville High School, class of 1948, and graduated from Morrisville State College in 1950. He received his pilot wings in 1952 and flew in the Korean War and during the Vietnam War. During his distinguished military career, Maj. Walker received numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Force Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters. Maj. Walker was one of the original Air Commandos in the early 1960s out of Hurlbert Field, FL, and logged over 265 combat missions. Throughout his service, Maj. Walker gave faithful and conscientious service to his country. His standard of conduct and leadership has proved as an excellent example for those who had been associated with him.
After retirement, Walker settled with his family in Destin, FL, where he started his own construction company, traveled extensively with his wife and family and enjoyed gardening and boating in his spare time.
Walker was predeceased by his father and mother.
Walker is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Walker, of DeFuniak Springs; three sons, Robert Walker Jr. of Westminster, CO, Patrick Walker of Utica, NY, and Terrance Walker of Smyrna, GA; one daughter, Jennifer Farina, of Chuluota, FL; two sisters, Joan Keefe, of Earlville, NY, and Susan Samuel, of Circleville, OH.
Graveside services will be conducted at 10:15 a.m., Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL, with a U.S. Air Force Chaplain officiating.
In lieu flowers the family has requested that donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association (DAV).
[Source: The DeFuniak Springs Herald, October 19, 2006, Page 7B]
[Burial: Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola]