January 16, 1945 – February 11, 2025
Richard Walker, 80, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away on February 11, 2025. Born in Cherokee, Iowa, on January 16, 1945, to Richard and Dora (Good) Walker, Richard was a man who lived a life of service, love, and dedication to his family and community.
Richard graduated from Cherokee High School in 1964 and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1968. During his service, he was stationed at the U.S. Naval Bases in Kingsville, Texas, and San Diego, California, and served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk off the coast of Vietnam.
On June 5, 1971, Richard married Lynn Seel, and they spent 53 wonderful years together, making their home in Central Iowa. Richard earned a Drafting Degree from DMACC and worked for Casey’s as a draftsman, contributing to plans for new stores. He later worked as an electrician for Iowa Methodist Medical Center from 1982 to 1990, a skill he learned while in the Navy. In 1991, Richard started his own business, Walker Electric, which he ran until his retirement in 2004.
A devoted member of St. James Lutheran Church in Johnston, Richard was always willing to lend a hand. He was generous with his time, whether hanging ceiling fans at church or serving as President of Girls Softball and on the Johnston Planning and Zoning Committee. He loved to mow his yard with his dog, Ben, who was always by his side.
Richard’s passions were many, from building model cars to cleaning his garage, but his greatest joy was caring for his family. He had a deep love for animals, from rescuing pigeons as a child to adopting numerous cats and dogs over the years. His daughter, Roni, fondly remembers him teaching her to swim and fish, even running into the lake to save her fishing pole. He was also a Star Trek fan, he and his daughter, Roni, attended numerous conventions and shared a love for the Star Trek movies and TV series.
Preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog Ben. Richard leaves behind his wife, Lynn; son, Dan (Julie) Erickson of Des Moines; daughter, Veronica Walker of Johnston; bonus son, Eric Hager of Des Moines; grandson, Terry (Kathy) Erickson of Summit, IL; great-granddaughter, Angel; sister, Donna (Evert) Walstrom; niece, Debbie Trent; and nephew, Keith Wahlstrom.
Richard will be sorely missed by his family, extended family, and friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for March 1, 2025, at St. James Lutheran Church, 5665 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131 at 12:00 p.m., with a visitation 1 hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to VA Central Iowa or St. James Lutheran Church.