Robert Ormond Walker

Surrounded by his loving family, Robert Ormond Walker died just after noon on Independence Day, Monday, July 4, 2016, at his home in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona from causes incident to his age at the age of 87.  He was born on a Thursday, January 31, 1929 in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey to his parents, the late Sidney Ormond and Helen May Kennel.Robert was a member of the Lyndhurst High School Graduating Class of 1946.  Then, ever mindful of his patriotic duty and right out of high school, he enlisted himself in the U.S. Navy.  He continued in his military career for 30 years and always appreciated the privilege he felt of traveling throughout the world.  On The 4th of July, 1951, Robert asked the love of his life, Ethel Catherine Williamson, if she would be his wife.  She said, "yes", and the couple were married on February 9, 1952.  As newlyweds, their first duty station for the U.S. Navy was in Lisbon, Portugal.  While living there, 2 of their 5 children were born.  They loved the beauty of that little country and found a great deal of joy walking through the cobbled-stone streets of the cities there.  During his career Robert served at other duty stations on the Eastern and Western coasts of the United States.  One of his favorite places of service was aboard the U.S.S. Essex during the Cuban Missile Crisis of the early 1960s.  He retired as Lieutenant Commander Robert O. Walker.  Throughout his service, he received several medals, including:  the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Unit Commendation (1 bronze star), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (3 bronze stars), Navy Expeditionary Medal, China Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asian Clasp, National Defense Service Medal (1 bronze star), Vietnam Service Medal (3 bronze stars), Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, First Class, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Color, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Color (First Class Color with Palm), and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.Following his illustrious military career, Robert and his wife enjoyed 30+ years of traveling all over "This wonderful country", the United States.  Their trips were usually made with their motor home.  They loved to see all the sights and visit family and friends along the way.  Robert was also an old car buff.  He loved restoring old cars to mint condition.  A couple of his favorites were his 1953 MGTD and his 65' Mustang. Robert O. Walker is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ethel C. Walker of Show Low, Arizona; 4 children:  Michael (Conna) Walker of Avon Park, Florida, Kimberly Walker (Wayne Paich) of Phoenix, Arizona, Christopher (Carolyn) Walker of Payson, Arizona, Sharon Bond (Terry Meadows) of Show Low, Arizona; 9 grandchildren:  Jason Walker, Jessica (Dustin) McClure, Kristin Story, Lauren Hernandez, Catherine Walker, Nicholas Walker, Raquel Hernandez, Harmony Walker, Christopher Walker; 4 great-grandchildren:  Ashleigh Walker, Lindsay Walker, Brett McClure and Donovan McClure.  Along with his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Haldeman in January of 2015 and by his sister, Jean Sullivan.A graveside service with Full Military Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia in the Spring of 2017.