Richard Vernon Walker

Richard Vernon Walker, 92, of Athens, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, OH.

He was born on March 8, 1918, in Pueblo, CO, a son of Charles Henry and Angeline Isabell Ryan Walker.  Richard was a graduate of Taft High School in Taft, CA, earned his BS in Public Health, Masters in Public Health and PhD in Microbiology all at the University of California at Berkley.  During WWII, he was a pharmacist mate in the U. S. Navy, serving from November 1941 through September 1945.  He was retired as a Professor of Microbiology from the Department of Zoology at Ohio University School of Osteopathic Medicine and was a microbiologist.  He was a member of the Athens Church of Christ, American Society of Microbiologist, Past President of Athens Motorcycle Club, active member of Athens Model Railroad Club, and was a self-taught musician of accordion, organ, piano, harmonica and guitar.

On March 3, 1945, he married Neva Tiller who preceded him in death on April 26, 2008.  Richard is survived by 2 daughters and 1 son:  Charline (Henry) Tomer of Allison Park, PA, Verna Raquepaw of Tucson, AZ and Wendell (Amelia) Walker of Williamstown, WV; grandchildren:  Jacob and Jared Valdez of Tucson, Liam and Elise Walker of Williamstown, WV, Kevin and Kyle Tomer of Allison Park, PA, and sister Viola Louise Stumpf of Canon City, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, twin brothers, Wayne and Wendell, and brother Clyde Walker.

Memorial services will be held 1pm, Sunday, December 19th at Athens Church of Christ. Burial will be in Athens Memorial Gardens.  McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home in Marietta is assisting the family with arrangements.