Jack Walsh

Colonel Jack Walsh passed away peacefully at Kobacker House on May 22, 2015. He was born July 30, 1935 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Dorothy and Burton Walsh. He graduated from Cedarville High School in 1953, was an MP in the United States Army from 1955-1957 and then worked as a dispatcher at the Georgetown, Ohio Highway Patrol post. Colonel Walsh graduated from the Ohio State Patrol Academy as a member of the 50th academy class on June 26, 1959.

Jack is survived by the love of his life, and wife of 57 years, Huey (Bevis) Walsh. He met her for the first time at a 4H dance during the Ohio State Fair in the summer of 1952. They were married on February 16, 1958. He is also survived by two daughters: Julie Walsh and Jennifer (Dean) Wilson and one son: Dr. Steven (Chaureen) Walsh. He has three grandchildren: Scott (Nicole) Walsh, Morgan Walsh, and Lyndsay Walsh and one great grandchild Madison Walsh. He was preceded in death by his mother: Dorothy Bankemper, father: Burton Walsh, and sister: Pat Kattine. He is survived by his brother: Jim (Janet) Walsh and sister: Carolyn (Don) DeVore.

Jack and Huey moved often and made many wonderful friends as Jack was promoted through the ranks of the Highway Patrol. He started at the Marietta post and then served in Springfield, Chardon, Norwalk, Middletown, Columbus, Piqua, and then back to Columbus. He was promoted to Colonel and served as Superintendent of the Highway Patrol for 10 years. After his retirement he worked at Grange Insurance in their Special Investigation Unit.

Colonel Walsh was a founding Member of A Special Wish and was recognized nationally and internationally for his work with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, National Safety Council, Ohio Peace Officers' Training Council, North Central Region of the National Crime Information Center, and the National Transportation Research Board.

Although Jack was involved in many professional organizations, the legacy he was most proud of was being a loving husband, father, and Pap.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful doctors who cared for Jack during his many years battling illness: Dr. Michael Poland, Dr. Jerry Mendell, Dr. Randall Franz, Dr. Nicholas Davakis, and Dr. James Viers. We would also like to say a special thank you for the loving care provided by the nurses who watched over him at Grant Medical Center during his final stay.

Calling hours are scheduled for Thursday, May 28th from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL 1051 E. Johnstown Road in Gahanna. A Celebration of Jack's Life will take place at 1PM on Friday May 29th at Central College Presbyterian Church 975 S. Sunbury Road Westerville, Ohio with Dr. Richard Ellsworth and Pastor Ronald Lokhorst officiating. Interment to follow at Claibourne Cemetery in Richwood, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Colonel Jack Walsh's memory to one of the following: The Myositis Research Program at Children's Hospital Columbus, Ohio attn: Dr. Jerry Mendell; Central College Presbyterian Church, Westerville, Ohio; Mifflin Presbyterian Church, Gahanna, Ohio; or Kobacker House Columbus, Ohio.