Thomas W. Walker Sr.

Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas W. Walker, Sr., Age 87 of Mentor will be at 11:00am on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2846 Hubbard Road in Madison with the Rev. Sean Donnelly officiating. Mr. Walker passed away on June 10, 2011 at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Euclid. Born November 27, 1923 in Mansfield, Ohio he was the son of Mary E. (Bauer) and William J. Walker. Mr. Walker served in the United States Marine Corp. during WWII. After enlisting in October of 1942 he received his basic training at Parris Island, SC. Upon completion he left Norfolk, VA on board the ship Henry T. Allen traveling through the Panama Canal to the South Pacific where he joined the first Marine Raider Battalion Company C-6 Marine Division in 1943 and served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater until 1945. He received 4 Battle Stars for action seen on the New Georgia, Emirou, Guam, and Okinawa. He returned home on October 11, 1945 with the sixth Marine Division after action on Okinawa and it was announced that Japan had surrendered. He married his childhood sweetheart, Claire A. Campbell, on November 10, 1945 and returned to his job at J&L LTV Steel Company and retired after 32 years of service. He also worked as a part-time maintenance man at McDonalds in Madison and the NEO Hospital. A 38 year resident of Madison he was a member of the American Legion Post 601 Auxiliary, and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. He enjoyed gardening, RV Camping, traveling, and fishing. Since the age of 7 his most favorite hobby was making balsa wood airplanes, a love that would continue for the rest of his life. He also loved the outdoors and spending time with his family. His beautiful blue eyes and wonderful smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his Son Thomas W. (Cindy) Walker Jr. of Eastlake; Daughter Christine (John) Trusty of Mentor; Granddaughter Shannon (Ryan) Herda of Mentor; Great Granddaughters Shealyn Marie, and McKayla Claire Herda; Sister-in-Law Donna Walker of Madison; Nieces Barbara G. Walker of Madison, and Robin (Tim) DeMay of St. Petersburg, FL; Great Niece Angela M. (Brian) Niehaus of Cincinnati; Great-Great Nieces Mia and Ella Niehaus; Great Nephew Patrick DeMay of Willowick; Cousins Michael J. Bauer of Painesville, and Charlotte Bauer of South Euclid. He was preceded in death by his Parents, His loving wife of 63 years, Claire, His Brother Robert S. Walker, Sr. and Nephew Robert S. Walker, Jr. Friends will be received from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison. Final resting place will be at Madison Memorial Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 East 185th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44119