|
|
1931 - 2014
Lewis Alfred Walker, 83, of Huntington, WV, a retired chemistry professor and director of academic computing, died July 5, 2014 at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington, WV following a long stroke-related illness. He was a former long-time resident of Sparks, MD. Al Walker was the son of Marble Faun Walker, and the brother of Lawrence Barbour, Ruth Barbour Newberg, and Edna Walker Manis, as well as Poppaw to grandson Andrew all of whom preceded him in death. In addition to Janet Walker, his wife of almost 60 years, survivors include his sons, Christopher A. Walker, of Clearwater, FL, and Dr. Joel W. Walker, MD and his second wife Dr. Tara of Baltimore, MD, and his grandchildren, Asheley P. Walker and her mother Mrs. Lisa Walker Sears of Baltimore, MD, and Brennan J. Walker and his mother, Mrs. Anna D. Walker, of Reisterstown, MD. Al was born in Cincinnati, OH, but grew-up in Huntington, WV, graduating from Huntington High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country for four years, most of it overseas during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, Al returned to Huntington, WV, where he attended Marshall University, earning a BS with honors in chemistry in 1955. Continuing his studies, he earned a MS from Marshall University followed by a PhD from Indiana University in 1965. While at Marshall University, fellow student Janet Adkins caught Als eye. The courtship commenced over a nickel mug of root beer and never stopped over almost 60 years of loving, happy marriage. Al delighted in being the very engaged father of two sons, Christopher and Joel. In 1964, Al joined the faculty of Goucher College in Towson, MD, and moved his family to the Baltimore area. Over 31 years of teaching service, Al advanced through the professorial ranks to full professor, retiring in 1995 with professor emeritus honors. During the 1970s, Al recognized early the rising imperative of computing to all academic disciplines. Along with long-time colleague, Dr. Barton Houseman, Al dragged a somewhat reluctant Goucher community into the new Age of the Computer in the 1970's," stated Dean Welch. The two served for many years as co-directors of academic computing, and in 1981 Gouchers Trustees bestowed on both the Goucher Award for Distinguished Service to the College. Also during the 1970s, Als support for Christopher and Joels sports interests led him to become a regular runner and cyclist. Throughout his 40s, Al completed road races of lengths up to, and including, the marathon. He often commuted by bicycle between the familys Sparks home to Gouchers Towson campus. Joel remembers particularly a long-distance cycling trip to Chesapeake, OH that he enjoyed with his father. Chris could always count on his dad as a cheering supporter at cross country races and track meets. Al was also a man of strong and life-long Christian faith. While in the Baltimore area, he was a member and/or active supporter of Valley Baptist, Cockeysville Baptist, Hereford Baptist, and Pleasant Hill Chapel churches. When visiting the Huntington area, he was a congregant at the Union Missionary Baptist Church of Chesapeake, OH. He was an active supporter of, and contributor to, missionary outreach organizations such as the Gideons, Wycliffe, JAARs, and Samaritans Purse. A funeral service to celebrate Als life will be conducted 11am Saturday, July 12 at the Union Missionary Baptist Church, Chesapeake, Ohio by Pastor Randy See. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 640. The burial will follow in Midkiff Cemetery, Branchland, WV. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8pm, Friday, July 11 at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, Ohio and one hour prior to the service at the Church. The family plans a Baltimore-area memorial service at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Heifer.org or Gideons.org. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/hall.
|
|
There are currently 4 condolences.
Bart Houseman
Friday August 15, 2014 at
10:21 AM
|
From the day that Al arrived at Goucher, to the day he and I retired together, 30 years later, we were virtually inseparable; new teaching ideas were created together, research contracts were all jointly held, our work as "directors of academic computing" was a completely tandem effort. We even jogged together every noon. Invariably, Al was the visionary and the guiding light, the problem-solver, the inventive experimentalist. Together with Bob Dooley, he put Goucher on the computer map by installing an early ether-net to connect nearly every building on the campus.
Al was my closest Goucher friend, absolutely dependable, totally loyal, and exemplary in his Christian Walk. For me, his star shines brightly.
|
| |
Chun Hi, Keunshik, Daniel & Julia Roh
Monday July 14, 2014 at
10:54 AM
|
Praise God for your dedicated life in all you did, Dr. Walker! Suzie and I were truly blessed to have you as our professor at Goucher. I still fondly remember the day you baked cupcakes for Suzie's chemistry class and placed them in each student's mailbox as a Christmas present! Mrs. Walker & Family, we pray & send our sincere condolence. We rejoice in the fact that Jesus said," I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."(John 11:25)God bless your family!
|
| |
Matt & Janet Dawson
Sunday July 13, 2014 at
5:19 PM
|
Dear Janet and famiy,
We first met Al and Janet sometime around 1998. We have been encouraged over the years, since, by your commitment to our Lord. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that we are praying that you will feel the Lord's presence in the days and years to come.
In Christ's love, Matt & Janet
|
| |
Prof. Emeritus Russell Tice
Friday July 11, 2014 at
2:43 AM
|
Rest in peace, dear professor Walker, and my sincerest condolences to your family. He was one of the dedicated chemistry teachers at Marshall in the late 1950s who inspired me to pursue my my long career in University teaching. As a young man he was just beginning his teaching career and I am indebted to him for his outstanding example as a role model for a teacher and a human being. Thank you, Prof. Walker.
|
| |
|
