Ronald Walker, 69, former police officer was awarded Purple Heart in Vietnam, stayed active in veterans organizations

Ronald K. Walker, 69, passed away Sunday evening, Oct. 2, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., surrounded by his family.

He was born Dec. 20, 1946, in Brattleboro, Vt., the son of Wilfred and Ruth (Rogers) Walker. He attended Springfield schools and graduated from Springfield High School Class of 1964. He later attended Hawthorne College and the Police Academy.

Mr. Walker served in the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Battalion 9th Marines in Vietnam, where he was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

After meeting in December 1981, he married Elizabeth A. Gibbs on Aug. 16, 2003.

He worked in the machine tool industry, the U.S. Postal Service, as a car salesman and was employed as an officer with the Springfield Police Department, the Woodstock Police Department, the Windsor Police Department and the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department.

After retiring from police work, Mr. Walker worked at Kmart in Claremont for 10 years.

He was a life member and past commander of the VFW Post 771 in Springfield, an active member of Vietnam Veterans Association, American Legion Post 67 in Chester, St. John’s Masonic Lodge 41 F. & A.M. in Springfield, the Springfield Lions Club, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and a member of the 1 9 National Organization. He was also a Shriner with the Springfield Clown Unit.

Mr. Walker organized and was proud to bring the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall to Springfield. He also worked with Honor Flight New England to organize and fund raise to send Springfield area veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, motorcycle riding, traveling and visiting with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Liz, of Baltimore, Vt.; son Chris Walker of Smithfield, Va.; daughter Deborah Walker of Chester; grandchildren Bailey, Elliott, Molly, Brooke, Colt, Addie and Quinn; brother Craig Colson of New Mexico; sister Darnice Cook of Maine; special nieces and nephews Lexi, Nick, Leanne, Samantha and Erika; close friends Ronald, Art, Roy and Jim; also by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Wilfred and Ruth.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Riverside Middle School Gymnasium in Springfield.

Burial will be at a later date at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph Center. Contributions may be made in his memory to Honor Flight New England, 1193 Hooksett Rd #2, Hooksett, N.H. 03106.