Gary L. Walker
February 22, 2019
Gary Lee Walker, 68, of Indianola passed away at home, surrounded by love, on February 22, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gary was born in Beloit, Kansas on November 21, 1950 to Claude and Frances (Simpson) Walker. He graduated from Parker High School in 1968. Gary moved to Iowa in 1970 where he later met and married Carolyn (Shull) Morgan. They shared thirty-one years together growing their family and building memories in their Indianola home until her passing in 2009.
Gary’s first love was in serving his country and community. He was proud to be a Vietnam War veteran where he served as a Military Policeman for the US Army. After his military duty Gary continued his career in law enforcement. While working full time as a patrolman Gary was proud to have earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from DMACC in 1980. For thirty-seven years he served at the Clive Police Department in a variety of positions including Interim Police Chief and Lieutenant until his retirement in 2010. In 2008 he was honored for his work and named Iowa’s Police Officer of the Year. Never tiring to protect and serve, he also worked part time for the US Marshals for twenty-eight years until his cancer diagnosis forced him to step down. Gary was a leader, friend, and mentor to many of his brothers and sisters in blue.
Gary enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Those who were fortunate enough to know him, will remember his playful demeanor and his emphasis on being true to his word. Gary attended Summerset Baptist Church and knew Jesus was his Lord and Savior. He took pleasure in taking motorcycle rides, riding his tractor on his acreage, traveling, bowling, playing cribbage, and beating everyone at corn hole.
Gary considered himself blessed to find love again with Susan Rhoads. They married on July 9, 2016 and extended his circle of love in which he enjoyed his new role as Papa G. Although their time was cut too short, their enjoyment and love of each other was evident to all.
Among those who live with his legacy are his wife, Susan, and his children George (Tracy) Morgan, Dean (Marian) Morgan, Alette (Rick) Bodendorfer; his grandchildren Adam, Raven, Gabrielle, Mary Jo, Benjamin, and Phillip; Susan’s children and grandchildren Angela and (Dave) Rapone and Vincenzo, Dan and (Jamie) Monico and Gia and Ava, and Jonathan and (Dawn) Rhoads and Ethan; siblings Larry (Shirley) Walker, Mary Walker, Sherrie Walker, and Terry Roark; sister-in-laws Anita Ferren and Stephanie Shull; many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins, not limited to but including Traci (Scott) Raridon, Charles “Chip” Shull, Robert “Chris” Ferren, Renee (Tim) Harmon, Jim (Renee) Evans, and JD Walker.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Claude Walker, his stepfather and loving mother, Dayton and Frances Cashman, his precious daughter Char’lee Michelle, his beloved wife Carolyn, and his dear brother-in-laws, Charles Shull, Robert Ferren and Jerry Walker.
Gary’s family wishes to thank the many nurses of Mercy 8 South and Hospice who assisted him in his battle of cancer and the Cops Against Cancer organization.
Family will accept visitors on Friday March 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Hamilton’s Funeral Home at 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home Saturday March 2 at 10:00 with interment following at Rising Sun Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cops Against Cancer, Mercy Hospice, and Summerset Baptist Church.
Tonya LaFarr
05/23/2023
Sitting here thinking about you Gary and all the times I did ride alongside with you when you worked for Clive Police. Especially the day we went through the car wash and you left the window down just enough for me to get a shower as well as the squad car. I hope your enjoying your time with Jesus and your loved ones. I miss you down here.
Mary Ann Chambers
03/03/2019
What a beautiful tribute to an obviously wonderful man. Dan and I send our deepest sympathy, Sue, to you and the family. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers and sending hugs as well.
Ken Popken
03/01/2019
My memory of Gary is from the 1980s. As a friend of then Mayor Gene Maddox, I got acquainted with Gary. Gary, along with Police Chief Dean Dymond, monitored Gene as he struggled with his Type 1 diabetes. A most memorable time was when Gary came to me and said that Gene should no longer be driving his car, take his keys. The care that I saw on Garys face told me much about the concern he had for Gene. It also confirmed much about the character of the man wearing a police uniform. I will always have warm thoughts about the officer with whom I became acquainted.
Ken Popken, former member of Clive City Council
Jonathan Stewart U.S. Marshal (Ret)
02/28/2019
Gary will be missed, had the privilege to work with and know him. prayers for the family during this time.
Daniel Scarpino
02/27/2019
What a friend n awesome cop, knew him from his Panora days. were going to miss you but you will be in our hearts and mind Rest in Peace ( aka Cordell and other fun names) Gary.
Rich Conner
02/26/2019
RIP Gary, truly an honor to have known you and worked with you, when I was on the Clive FD, and while I was in Law Enforcement. You will be missed by many my friend.
Teri Moncrief
02/26/2019
Rest in Peace Brother-in-law. Although we never officially met, (as the miles between us were many), Gary brought so much love and joy to his family and Grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Linda Rucci
02/26/2019
We will cherish the years shared and memories made together. Gary had such a wonderful sense of humor and a strong sense of honor... traits that I will always remember him by. Our hearts are heavy with his loss, but we are truly blessed to have had such a great man in our lives. RIP Gary ... Well take care of Sue for you.
Mark Shepard , US Marshal retired
02/25/2019
Gary was a great friend to me when I went thru a bitter divorce and obtained custody of my daughter . I will miss him forever. God bless him and his loved ones
Perry & Roseann Toth
02/25/2019
A dedicated, loving family man whose legacy by grand example is witnessed today in his wonderful extensive family tree.
Guy & Marsha Andersen
02/25/2019
What a fine Man, Gary will truly be missed by his family his many friends and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him and loving him.He was the kind of person we should all emulate.