Ronald Owen Walker

Ronald was raised in Blue Island, Illinois. He enlisted in the United States Navy where his mechanical skills where used as a Motor Machinist Mate repairing amphibious landing craft during World War II. Once the war ended he spent his last year in the military in Japan disposing of weapons and transporting prisoners. After an honorable discharge, he returned home where he completed high school and began a long career as a maintenance mechanic and foreman. During the 1950s he enjoyed being a part of the pit crews for the early racing teams of the Unser Brothers and Dan Gurney.

He retired in 1989 from employer Aerojet General, a major defense contractor, where he kept machines running for over 37 years. Among his many accomplishments there, Ron hand machined the landing pads for the Apollo lunar landing craft which are still on the moon today.

Ronald was married to Mary Beth Walker for 45 years who passed away in 2007.

He loved attending services at Christ Lutheran Church in Visalia, coffee with his friends at the gym, and attending his grandsons sporting events.

Ronald is survived by his son Phil and wife Lissa Walker, Step son’s Ron and Richard Murry, 6 grandchildren; Sarah, Brandon, Hudson, Gage, Donna, Daaron, 3 great grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, September 27th at 10:00 AM, Christ Lutheran Church, 3830 W Tulare Ave, Visalia, CA followed by interment at Visalia Public Cemetery District.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA.