"Jerry Walker was a man that I admired with all my heart. His life displayed the true meaning of helping someone in need. I met Jerry when I came to the United States in 2006. Little did I know that God had planned for our lives to cross for the next couple years. I came to live with Jerry's son Doug in 2008 to attend college in the United States. Jerry was one of the first people who offered to help me pay for college. He bought me my first winter boots and gave me his winter coat. He always called to make sure I had a ride to and from school if I didn't he would offer to take me. I remember when I moved away to a different college. Jerry and his wife came to see me and took me out to eat. They became for me the grandparents I never had. You see Jerry's life displayed what it means to help a friendin need. He took numerous trips to Haiti to offer his help to the people there. I've always seen him volunteer his time in the community. If you needed anything you could count on Jerry to offer his help. Today I am sad that Jerry is not around but I find solace in the fact this is not goodbye, we may not be able to communicate anymore but one day we will see each other with Jesus where there will be no more sorrow and no more pain. If Jerry could hear me now, I would tell him thank you for displaying what a true helping hand really means. In Christ, Erve Joseph"
In loving memory of
JERRY K. WALKER
February 23, 1939 - July 18, 2013
JERRY KENT WALKER, age 74, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 5:08 a.m., Thursday, July 18, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his loving and faithful family. Born on February 23, 1939 in Coesse, he was the son of Paul Walker and Margaret (Miller) Walker.
He graduated from Coesse High School in 1957 and Indiana Tech in 1960 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. On May 28, 1960, he married Betty J. Wherry.He worked for the State Highway Department of Illinois from 1960 to 1961. Jerry returned back to Indiana and worked for INDOT as a bridge engineer. He was a Registered Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer and earned his P.E. in Engineering. He was the Project Engineer of the Blue River Bridge and also several stretches of U.S. Highway 30. Jerry also worked for the Allen County Highway Department in the Engineering Department, Z.K. Tazian Associates and was the County Engineer for the Whitley County Highway Department. He started his own Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer Business in 1985, Walker & Associates. He retired and sold his business in 2005.
Jerry served on the Parkview Whitley County Hospital Board from 1995 to 2005, as well as the board for The Center for Whitley County Youth. He went on several mission work trips to Haiti and also to Biloxi, Mississippi. Jerry was an active member of First Church of God, serving in his church and community. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, gardening, his friends who he shared many laughs with, and all his friends at the back table. Jerry spent a lot of time with his grandkids, serving as a role model throughout their lives and providing many happy memories.
Surviving relatives include his wife of 53 years, Betty; children, Gregory Kent (Lynn) Walker of Ava, MO, Susan Colleen (Jerry) Wood and Douglas Kelly (Amber) Walker, both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Lauren Jane Walker, Ian Kent Walker, Allison Louise Wood, Grant Walker Wood, Samantha Jane Wood, Colin Joseph Wood, Lucas John Walker and Garett Kelly Walker; sisters, Jean Mossburg, Phyllis Bearand Lois Smith, all of Columbia City.
Visitation is from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 21, 2013 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2013 at First Church of God, 1200 DePoy Drive, Columbia City with calling starting one hour prior to service. Pastor Johnny McCallister will be officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Walker to The Center for Whitley County Youth or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Tributes
"May Jerry's loving family and friends find comfort with Jesus' words at John 5:28, 29."
"Betty,so sorry for your loss. I went through the same thing with my son DennisYou and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. sending hugs to you Phyllis mcclure "
"Betty and family Sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you"
"THE COLOR OF MEMORIESTABLE ARRANGEMENT was sent by John, Brenda, Eric, Matt, Chris Marty .OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS."
"I was so sorry and surprised to hear about Jerry - he was so young.Jerry was one of the nicest, most agreeable people I've ever known and always had a smile.I know you will miss him terribly.Helen Gross (worked at Schrader for many years)"
"To all of the Walkers, Matt and I are sorry for the loss of Jerry. I know Jerry is happy, safe, and without pain this beautiful day in Heaven. But for all of you, going on living without him in your everyday lives is who I extend my deepest sympathy. I will always remember Jerry as a loving husband, father and grandfather. And too Jerry was always so good to my sons Trent and Brandt while Sue babysat for them. I know the pain of loosing a loved one will forever leave a mark. But I do hope you hold close all the beautiful memories he has left for you. God Blessings on you all, you all our in our prayers and thoughts."
"Dear Betty, Greg, Susan and Doug, Jerry will be missed by so many. We wish we could be there to express our condolences in person, but we will be away. We send you our heartfelt support and sympathy at his passing. Many fond memories will bear you up as you carry his countenance with you for the rest of your lives. -Marcia & Phil Wright"
"The all the Walker family - Just thinking of Jerry brings a mixture of tears and smiles to my face.. the jokes he told, the jokes we shared.. will always be in our memories and we can laugh at them when we think back.It has been our priviledge to call Jerry our friend for so many years. He will never be forgotten for his humor, his wisdom, his giving to so many individuals and our community, his time given, his talents, his love for the Lord and for his church and most of all his love that we could see for his family..Our sympathy and loving thoughts to all of you ."
"Amanda and I send our deepest sympathies to the Walker family. Jerry has been an institution in Columbia City and there is now a large void in our community that is difficult to fill. Having his hand in many developments throughout the community, much gratitude is given for his continued work in making our community a better place to live. Blessing on the family during this difficult time."
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "
"May I express my deepest sympathy to all of the family. Jerry was a well respected business man as well a Christian example to all of us. Pat Henson"
"Dear Betty, On behalf of our company and myself I respectfully send my deepest sympathy to you and your entire family upon Jerry's passing. I always had the deepest respect for Jerry not only as a trusted businessman but more importantly as a wonderful human being. As I got to know Jerry over the years, I learned early on that Jerry was not only an excellent surveyor who always delivered his surveys when he promised, but more importantly, he was a man you could trust unconditionally. Jerry had a big heart and was always fair. We used to have some pretty good times playing basketball at the Coesse gymn and he was pretty good at that too! I think that engineering background helped him calculate the angle of his shots because they usually went in!! I have appreciated his knowledge and friendship over the years as well as all of the work he did to help us deliver accurate surveys on time to our clients. He will be missed. God Bless, Greg Fahl "