Chief John F. Walker (Retired)

John attended and graduated from Elder W. Diggs School 42 and Crispus Attucks High School. While at Attucks, he played sports (Basketball) and he was a member of the R.O.T.C. Unit.

After High School, he enlisted into the United States Army where he served as a Cryptographer and Communications Center Specialist and fought in the Vietnam War (March 1965 – Feb. 1967). Upon returning home, he attended Parson’s College (Fairfield, Ia) and later enrolled at Ivy Tech (Indianapolis, In) where he majored in Marketing.

John was appointed to the Indianapolis Fire Department on April 10, 1968. His first assignment was to Engine 28 -A shift. During those initial years, he traveled to various firehouses, served in those communities, and started establishing lifelong bonds within the IFD family. Through hard work, he also climbed up the ranks (Private– Div. Chief). As Division Chief, he was the Shift Commander on the A shift which he nicknamed, “The Shift of Love”. He held this position a little over 6yrs. before retiring in Aug. 2016. What a blessing to have been in a career for 48yrs.!

Outside of IFD, John was a husband and a father. In Feb.1970, he married his childhood sweetheart, Dovie L. Studevent. From this union, 3 children were born. He was also a member of Breeding Tabernacle C.M.E. Church where he was baptized, served on the Trustee Board, and sang in the Male Chorus.

A man of many hats, John worked at the Central Indiana Regional Blood Center on his off duty days from IFD. His career started in the 1980’s as a phlebotomist working in the Mobile Division and worked his way up to Management. A highlight in his career there was when appeared in a commercial and on

billboards around town promoting the need for blood donations. Several decades later, he retired from the Blood Center.

His love of sports led him to become a sports official at both the High School and Collegiate levels. At times, scheduling conflicts of sports events conflicted with his schedule at the Fire Dept. This is where he was nicknamed,” Captain Getaway”. Somehow, he managed to resolve the scheduling conflicts, go officiate the sporting event, then he would return back to the firehouse.

Just like the Fire Department and the Blood Center, John had several accomplishments in sports officiating. He was selected to officiate a semi-state tournament in Basketball. With his fellow crew-members in football; “The Buffs”, became the first African American Football crew to officiate a semi-state Football tournament in IHSAA. He also received an Official of the Year award in the sport of Track & Field.

John loved to laugh, joke, and be around family and friends. He also loved giving out nicknames. That was his way of remembering you. And, he wasn’t shy about helping people out along the way or trying to mentor today’s youth.

On June 3, 2025, John passed away peacefully with his family by his bedside. He was 78 yrs. old.

He leaves to cherish his faithful, loving, and devoted wife of 55 years Dovie L. Walker. His 3 children: Kim Y. Walker, Jonetta R. Walker, and Brian S.Walker. Brothers: Marvin Williams, Henry R. Walker Jr., and Shelby (Crystal) Walker. Sisters: Birdie C. (Walter Sr.) Johnson, Patricia M. (“Corkey”) Jones-Taylor, and Marceline E. Jones. Aunts: Mildred “Millie” Walker, Ella Studevent, and Natalie Studevent. Grandchildren: Jeffrey Tullis ,Jasmine Tullis, Timothy Joyner, Jalen Patterson, Javon Patterson, Tyrel Walker, Taya Walker, Tayvion Walker, Tasyhana Walker, Ta’Veya Walker, Thaddeus Walker, and Bexleigh Walker. Also are a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding him in death are Parents: Henry R. “Moses” Walker Sr., Laura R. (Hynes) Walker and Stepdad: Oliver R. Jones. Daughter: Tracey D. Walker. Siblings: Stephanie (Gary) Roberson, Larry S. (Betty) Walker.

A visitation for John will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208. A visitation will occur Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208.