Robert L. Walker

February 12, 2017

Service Details

Robert L. Walker passed away on Sunday morning February 12th, 2017. He was born in the small southern town of Russell, Iowa on July 22nd, 1926 to Albert and Sylvia Walker. He was the 9th of 12 siblings all who preceded him in death.

In 1951 Robert returned from his 3 years of service in Korea, with the United States Army, to marry the love of his life Dolores J. Shaler of Des Moines. They built their home and raised their family on the east-side of Des Moines and have been married for 63 years.

Robert worked for Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel for 35 years as a welder and shop superintendent. He also served as the Business Agent for the Iron workers Union 493. When he left PDM he worked for the Des Moines Public Schools until he retired.

Robert and Dolores loved to travel and spent many of their vacations visiting Yellowstone National Park. It was their favorite. They loved it so much they spent part of a summer working there!

Robert had many hobbies such as gardening, woodworking, and over-engineering back-yard grills by welding them from ¼ inch stainless steel! Of all his hobbies, what he loved most was spending time with his family. He adored his 5 grandchildren; Dan, Donnie, Robert, Abby, and Adam and was over the moon about his 14 great-grandchildren and the little one on the way.

Last July the family celebrated Robert's 90th birthday with many of his nieces and nephews attending from all over the country.

In September of 2014 Robert flew to Washington D.C. with the Korean War Veterans Honor Flight where his grandson Donnie, who serves in the United States Army met him as a surprise.

Robert spent the past year of his life recuperating from a broken hip at the Norwalk Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where he received the most excellent and loving care. We so appreciate their loving efforts on his behalf.

Robert was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and leaves behind his loving wife Dolores, his two children Robert E. (Deborah) Walker, and Michelle (Dirk) Bliss.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a time for prayer at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the U.S.O.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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