06/02/2018

Obituary for Gary A. Walker

Retired Funeral Director, Father of OFDA Past President Keith Walker, CFSP, both of Walker Funeral Homes

Gary A. Walker, 74, of Sylvania Township, died Friday, June 1, 2018, at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania. Born in Toledo, to Erla and Alvin Walker, Gary was a 1961 graduate of Howe Military Academy. He then attended the University of Toledo and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He joined his father at Walker Funeral Homes, served as president of the company from 1983-1997, and continued to be active in the daily operations of the funeral homes until his retirement in 2017. In 1967, Gary founded Walker Ambulance Company with the help of Gene Spradlin, and served as president until he sold it in 1996. He developed it to be the largest EMS organization in Northwest Ohio.

Gary will be remembered for his kind and compassionate nature, as well as his great business sense. He enjoyed boating on Lake Erie and the Great Lakes, taking frequent cruises and spending many weekends at Put-in-Bay. He also loved spending time at Devil’s Lake, Michigan, for many years of both his childhood and adult life. He enjoyed his yard in Sylvania and the beautiful flowering trees. Gary was beloved and respected by his family as well as his many friends.

He was a long-time member of First Congregational Church and was recently attending Epworth United Methodist Church. He was active in community life. He was a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors’ Association and the National Funeral Directors’ Association; a past member of the Jaycees, past president of the West Toledo Kiwanis Club, past member of Sylvania Rotary and current member of the Rotary Club of Toledo. He was an active mason and member of the Zenobia Shrine for many years, especially enjoying his involvement with the Jesters. He was a past member of Toledo Yacht Club, Devils Lake Yacht Club, The Crew’s Nest, The Toledo Club and Sylvania Country Club.

Gary is survived by his wife, Marilyn, son, Keith Walker (Katy), daughter, Kristen Crandall (Matt), grandchildren, Maizy and David Crandall, and Henry, Teddy, Louie and Charlie Walker. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 from 2-8 PM at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave (west of Corey Rd.). The funeral ceremony will take place at 11 AM on Thursday, June 7th, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 W. Central Ave. Interment will be at Toledo Memorial Park. The family suggests memorial tributes to Paws and Whiskers, 32 Hillwyck Dr. Toledo, OH 43615 or Humane OH, 3131 Tremainsville Rd. Toledo, OH 43613. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.