Richard L. Walker

Richard Landon Walker born July 22, 1926 and passed peacefully at home in the presence of his wife and children on Monday, December 11th, 2017.

Dick lived his 91 years in Ithaca, 87 of those years growing up, marrying, and raising his children on Coddington Road. He owned farms most of his life and enjoyed dairy farming, his time in the fields, his work on equipment and all that farming entails. He also had a long and successful career as a construction equipment broker, including a period of time with Suit-Kote Corporation, in Cortland. Dick enjoyed serving people. Upon retirement he was a volunteer driver for Gadabout nearly full time for 7 years. He developed relationships with many of the patrons and found joy in serving in that capacity. He was interested in community history and lore. He spent many happy hours golfing and liked researching both the Walker and Steiger family genealogies. He faithfully attended Sunday church services for nearly 30 years at Bethel Grove Bible Church and later at Christ Chapel. He especially relished the music and the old hymns. Dick was quiet, soft spoken, a friend to many, and he always made himself available to do things for others. He was a man of integrity, and was highly respected by neighbors, friends and coworkers.

Dick was the son of the late Mervin E. Walker and Marjorie Landon Walker.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Steiger Walker, his son Nathan Richard Walker and daughters, Dixie Lee (Eric), Melanie Sue and Lisa Jane Walker; Grandchildren, Kristoffer Walker (Jocelyn), Natania Streeter (Timothy), Elizabeth Wilmert (David) and Stormy Walker; Great grand children, Madison, Carson, Sarah, Eden, Aaron, Rory, Connor, Winnie. Dick was predeceased by an infant son, Scott Mervin Walker, and grandson, Landon Marion Hart.

Calling hours will be held at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main Street, Dryden, on Sunday, December 17th from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm. The family welcomes casual attire and conversation. There will be a private burial at South Hill Cemetery in the late Spring.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Hospicare for the excellent attention and care given in the last days of Dick's life. For those who wish to honor Dick's memory, donations may be made to the South Hill Cemetery Association, 335 Ridgecrest Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, for much needed operations funds (the South Hill Cemetery is a 501c3 non profit certified organization).