Oscar Bornett Walker's Obituary
On Friday, May 27, O.B. Walker, greatly beloved by his family and friends, passed away.O.B. was born at home in Maywood, Missouri on March 17, 1922, the older of two boys born to Oscar Bornett Walker, Sr. and Erma T. Walker. Â"Junior,Â" as he was known as a boy, attended Northeast Senior High School in Kansas City. He was serious about his studies, but loved to tell jokes and to have a good time with his friends. He was a talented draftsman and had a fine singing voice, which talents were passed on to certain of his children.O.B. graduated from high school in 1939 and when war was declared, was determined to serve his country as a pilot. He joined the Navy and served as an ensign first in the Naval Reserve and then in the Naval Air Corps as a flight instructor, stationed in Beeville and Corpus Christi, Texas. His deep love of flying and of the friends he made in the service remained with him all of his life.After the war ended, O.B returned to Missouri to pursue a degree in economics at William Jewell College in Liberty. He worked his way through school and got his undergraduate degree in only two years. While at Jewell, he met freshman Sally Anne Warden, with whom he fell in love and married after graduation, a marriage that lasted for 56 years.O.B. and Sally lived in Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana while they started a family and O.B. pursued a career in marketing. In 1962 they moved to Lakewood, Washington, where Nalley's Fine Foods of Tacoma employed O.B. In 1967 this employment took the family to Vancouver, B.C., where O.B. was the General Manager of Nalley's Ltd. for nine years. In 1976 they returned to Washington, making their home in University Place.In 1985 when O.B. was 63, he retired from NalleyÂ's and began a second career, one that he took as seriously but found even more fulfilling than his first: He gave his time, skills and experience to support non-profit organizations that serve our community: He worked in fund development for MultiCare for 15 years and he donated his time to Make-a-Wish Foundation, United Way, Veterans Independent Enterprises of Washington (Â"ViewÂ", a non-profit organization benefiting veterans), Rotary and Greater Lakes Mental Health Foundation.In 2001, O.B. substantially retired from these pursuits due to declining health. When his beloved wife Sally was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 2003, he gathered his strength and lovingly cared for her until she died in August of 2004.During his last months, his faith that he would be re-united with Sally made of his debilities a lighter burden. His humility, integrity and good humor were remarked upon and will be remembered by all who cared for him.O.B. is survived by his brother George T. Walker (Beverly) and his family; his son Richard (Gay); his daughters Christine, Nancy, Catherine (Andy Hall) and Sara (Tom Perry); and his grandchildren Benjamin, Leah and Lucy Grace.Memorial services will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lakewood, Washington on Friday, June 3rd at 11:00 am with a reception to follow at the Parish Hall.Contributions in his name may be made to MultiCare Health Foundation, Mary Bridge Children's Foundation, St. MaryÂ's Episcopal School Military Grant in Aid Program, Veterans Independent Enterprises of Washington, or Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare.
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