Gerald R. “Pappy” Walker, age 93, of Mount Gilead, passed away peacefully Monday, January 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.
Gerald was born July 27, 1930, near Hilliard, Ohio to the late Wm. Francis and Amey (Orhood) Walker. He was a 1949 graduate of Hilliard High School where he was active in FFA where he earned his State Farmer Degree. Gerald played basketball, and was an excellent baseball pitcher. During high school he was swept off his feet by Betty Jean Parker. They married December 28, 1950, and enjoyed 66 wonderful years. She preceded Gerald in death in 2017.
Gerald and Betty followed their hearts and purchased a farm in northern Morrow County In 1959. Agriculture was the center of his life. Gerald was a dairy farmer, along with his two sons. He had a passion for raising Duroc pigs and exhibiting them at the county and state fair. In 2014, he was named to the Swine Hall of Fame at the Ohio State Fair, and later he was honored by the Morrow County Swine Breeders Hall of Fame. As his family grew, he loved watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren at the Morrow County Fair. He served as a fair board member and president for over 30 years. In 2013, he and Betty served as the fair’s parade grand marshals. Gerald was very fond of high school sports. His favorite team was the Northmor Knights, but during tournament season he followed all the local teams. In his later years, he enjoyed watching westerns and harness racing on tv.
Being a farmer did not leave much free time, but Gerald was very active in the community by serving on several boards and committees, including Morrow Electric Co-op, Farm Bureau, ASC and Soil and Water committee member. He was an Honorary Chapter Farmer of the Northmor FFA.
Gerald was very proud of his family. He loved celebrating his birthday in the summer and of course, Christmas with his entire family.
He is survived by his children: Jack (Janet) Walker, Ruth (Bill) Creswell, Charles (Elaine) Walker, Mary (Steve) Louis, and Jean (Joe) Beck; grandchildren: Kim (Scott) Harvey, Holly (BJ) Trainer, John (Samantha) Walker, Aaron (Anna) Creswell, Andy (Sarah) Creswell, Jerrod (Corinna) Walker, Angela (Matt) White, Alison (Andy) Oswald, Kasey (Ben) Ziska, Shelby (Nic) Hunter, Joe (Stephanie) Beck, and Josh (Chelsie) Beck; great grandchildren: Miranda (Grant) Farson, Kendra and Garrett Harvey, Chelsea (Joshua) Snell, Noah, Ethan(Emily) and Maya Trainer, Ava and Maverick Walker, Ella, Dane, and Janey Creswell, Haylee and Bentley Walker, Bella and Sebastian White, Griffin and Adele Oswald, Lukas and Quinn Ziska, Avery and Elly Hunter, Booksten, Brody, Braylen and Cove Beck; great-great grandson: Everett Snell; sisters: Joanne White, and Iva Sheets; brother-in-law, Loren Combs; sister-in-law Evelyn (Vern) Erwin.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and numerous brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, a sister, Lois Combs, and great grandson, Sawyer Walker.
Gerald’s family will greet friends from 5 – 8 pm on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Mount Gilead Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services to honor and celebrate his life will take place there at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024, with Pastor Andy Jesson officiating. Burial will follow in Iberia Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Gerald’s name may be made to the Northmor FFA.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Gerald’s family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.