Richard D. Walker Jr.

Richard D. Walker Jr., age 78, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021. Richard was born February 17, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Julia Mae (McKay) Walker and Richard Walker. He was the oldest of seven children. Baptized and raised in the Catholic faith at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, and attended catholic and public schools in New Orleans. He enjoyed playing basketball, and participating in the Boy Scouts and Big Brothers.

The family moved to Los Angeles, California in 1955, where he attended Thomas Jefferson High School and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in June 1960. Richard joined the U.S. Air Force July 1960 along with his friends Rodney Lyons and Morton Williams (he often said that , it was the best move of his life). Richard spent 22 years in the service of his Country. His early assignments were in Texas, the Philippines, and Washington, D.C.. While stationed in Washington D.C. on his first tour, he met and married his one and only love of 54 years, Carolyn J. (Corum) Walker. Together they were blessed with two children: Angela and Wesley Walker.

In 1969, Richard transferred to South Vietnam; first, to Cam Ranh Bay and then to Tan Son Nhut. His other assignments were in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea. Richard was stationed in Alaska as a Master Sergeant in September 1982, when he retired. In December of 1982, Richard, was employed by the U.S. Air Force as a civilian at Elmendorf A.F.B., Alaska as the installation Traffic Management Officer.

Richard and Carolyn joined Solid Rock Baptist Church in Anchorage, in February 1984. In 2000, Richard was selected as the U. S. Air Force Senior Civilian Traffic Management Officer of the year. In January 2002, Richard decided to retire. He and wife, Carolyn, moved to Henderson, Nevada, where they joined Community Baptist Church, under Pastor Sam Roberson, Sr.. He remained an active member in his church, singing in the choir, driving the church bus, and participating in men's day activities.

Richard was a 33rd degree mason and life member of Alpha Lodge No. 1, Prince Hall Masons under the jurisdiction of Alaska. He was also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9978, Anchorage, Alaska, the American Legion Post 29 in Anchorage and Post 40 in Henderson, and The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) he served as Chapter and Post Commander of the DAV and VFW, 3 years each.

Richard also enjoyed his hobbies and interests. He was an avid jazz, blues, and oldies but goodies fan with a collection of over three thousand or more jazz and blues CDs. He also collected knives, butterflies, Star Trek memorabilia, Air Force unit patches, and watches. He enjoyed traveling to spend time with family and support veterans within his community. The U.S. Air Force and the Disabled American Veterans were his life.

Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela Tucker (Lloyd); father, Richard D. Walker; mother, Julia Mae (McKay) Walker; and brother Perry Walker. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Carolyn J. Walker; son, Wesley Walker (Joleen); siblings: Anne Wallace, Ulyess Walker (Violet), Noel Walker, Phillip Walker (Linda), Steven Walker (Karen); sisters-in-law: Kay Harris and , Frederica Weaver; brother in law, Michael Corum (Michelle); granddaughter, Danielle Tucker; and goddaughter, Brianna Bundick-Kelly.

A visitation for Richard will be held Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Funeral Services will begin Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 11:00 AM both at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, Nevada 89015. He will be honored for his service following chapel services. Richard will be laid to rest privately at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr, Boulder City, Nevada 89005.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to Home For Our Troops , 6 Main Street, Taunton, Massachusetts US, www.hfotusa.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Walker family.