Charles Albert Walker

SFC (Ret) Charles Albert Walker, son of the late Charles Willard Edward Addison and Emma (Loadholts) Walker, was born May 18, 1932 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Charles grew up in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania and attended school. In August 1950, Charles entered into the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1978. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and received several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Vietnam Service Medal w1 Silver Service Star, and Army Commendation Medal along with other commendations and awards. On July 21, 1962, Charles was united in marriage to the love of his life (whom he had known since she was 5), Frances Jean Clark. They were married in Pittsburg and spent the next 49 years together and were blessed with five children: Susan, John, Stephen, Paul and Iris. Charles and the family moved to the Fort Leonard Wood area in 1972 and after his retirement from the military in 1978, decided to stay in the area and raise their family. He began working for the Fort Wood Cab Company and Al’s Cab Company and retired in 1996. After his retirement, Charles was able to spend more time doing the things he enjoyed; such as music, spending time on the computer and fixing lawnmowers. Most importantly, he treasured the times spent with his family and friends. He was a member of the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Association and the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Charles passed away Sunday, July 15, 2012 in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 80 years, 1 month and 27 days. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Charles leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife: Frances Walker of Waynesville, MO; five children: Susan Smith (Vernon) of San Pedro, CA, John Michael Walker of Waynesville, MO, Stephen Walker (Deborah) of Richmond, VA, Paul Walker of Carmichael, CA and Iris Link (Tracy Johnson) of Nashville, TN; one sister: Katherine Miller of Campbell, CA; thirteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; several other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 20, 2012 in the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church with Father John Groner officiating. Music was provided by Evelyn Horine and she led the congregation in the responses. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions be made to the St. Jude’s Hospital, Make A Wish Foundation, or to an organization of the donor’s choice and may be left at the funeral home.

Charles Albert Walker

May 18, 1932 - July 15, 2012