EARLVILLE – Retired Air Force Major Robert Calhoun Walker, 76, and resident of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., passed away Oct. 9, 2006.
He was born on Oct. 9, 1930 in Detroit, Mich. to Edwin and Virginia Walker. Maj. Walker had been a resident of DeFuniak Springs since 1999, after living the previous 28 years in Destin, Fla. He retired as a Major in the Air Force after more than 20 years service.
Major Walker was raised in upstate New York, was a graduate of Earlville High School, Class of ‘48 and graduated from Morrisville State College in 1950. He received his pilot wings in 1952 and flew in the Korean Conflict and during the Vietnam Era. Over his distinguished military career, Maj. Walker received numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Force Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters. Maj. Walker was one of the original Air Commandos in the early 1960’s out of Hurlbert Field, Fla. and had logged over 265 combat missions. Throughout his service, Maj. Walker gave faithful and conscientious service to his country. His standard of conduct and leadership has proved as an excellent example for those who had been associated with him.
After retirement, Maj. Walker settled with his family in Destin, Fla. where he started his own construction company, traveled extensively with his wife and family and enjoyed gardening and boating in his spare time.
Maj. Walker is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Walker of DeFuniak Springs, Fla.; three sons Robert Walker Jr. of Westminister, Colo., Patrick Walker of Utica, and Terrance Walker of Smyrna, Ga.; one daughter, Jennifer Farina of Chuluota, Fla. and two sisters, Joan Keefe of Earlville and Susan Samuel of Circleville, Ohio.
Graveside services with full military honors will be conducted at 10:15 a.m., Friday, at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla. with a United States Air Force Chaplin officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association (DAV). Clary-Glenn Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.