Harold O. Walker

Harold O. Walker, 81 of Sun City West, AZ loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, peacefully passed away March 10, 2013. He was born in Wayne, West Virginia and was raised in Rittman, Ohio. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. After high school he married his first wife, Glenna. He was employed at the Ohio Box Board for over 30 years. He and his first wife owned and operated Walker Realty in Rittman for a number of years. After retirement they moved to Arizona. They were together until her death in 2000. In 2002, Harold met Josephine (Josie) Abbate at her previously owned business, Alterations West in Surprise, Arizona. They married in November, 2003 and shared a wonderful and joyous 10 years together. Never at a loss for a joke, his humor and smile, would always light up a room. He was fun-loving, kind, and generous. He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling with his beloved, Josie. He was a good man and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and brother. A viewing will be held Sunday, March 17, 2013 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Sunland funeral home. A service celebrating his life will be held Monday, March 18, 2013 11:00am held at Sunland funeral home. For more information or to leave a tribute to Harold please visit www.sunlandmemorial.com

BIOGRAPHY OF HAROLD

Harold O. Walker was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Harold will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Harold was born on April 26, 1931 at home in Wayne, West Virginia. He was the son of Harry and Marie Walker. Harold grew up in Rittman, Ohio.

Harold was raised with three siblings. He had two older sisters, Wilma and Doris Maxine and one younger brother Don. Harold was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

A typical teenager, Harold had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Rittman High in 1950. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

Harold was committed to making his new family with Josie happy. Harold was a good father to his daughter Debbie and he did his best to fulfill her needs.

Fortunately, Harold enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Harold worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a Designer. He was employed for 30 years by Ohio Box Board. Harold always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Harold was an Army Veteran. He spent much of his military service stationed in Germany. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Corporal. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Harold found pleasure in sports. In high school, Harold played basketball and football. Recreational sports included fishing, hunting and golfing. Harold was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were College football and college basketball.

Harold enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included cruises.

Harold loved his cat named George. They were best friends for 16 years.

His new life involved relocating to Arizona. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling. Even in retirement,

Harold continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Harold fulfilled the opportunities retirement offered him.

Harold passed away on March 10, 2013 at Del Webb Hospital. He is survived by his wife Josie, 1 daughter Debbie, 4 step children, 5 step-grandchildren, 12 step great grandchildren and his brother. Services were held at Sunland Mortuary. Harold was laid to rest in Sunland Memorial Park, Sun City; Arizona.

Simply stated, Harold was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Harold leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Harold O. Walker.