Robert L. Walker Sr., owned Walker Plumbing
Robert L. Walker Sr., 84, of Milton, formerly of Ocean City, Md., went to his heavenly home Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, departing from Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. Bob was born Oct. 18, 1937, in Arnold, Pa., to the late James H. Walker Sr. and Ella J. McCutcheon Lochwood.
Upon graduating from Saltsburg High School in Indiana County, Pa., Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his enlistment, Bob spent time in the Mediterranean and Cuba. It was on a weekend pass and attending a dance at the YMCA that he met the love of his life, Dolores E. Unger, who later became his wife and forever partner Nov. 2, 1958. Upon completing his four years of active duty and two years of reserves, Bob and his bride made their home in Baltimore, Md. At this time, he became a correctional officer at the Maryland Penitentiary when his namesake Robert L. Walker Jr. was born. Several years passed and Bob left the penitentiary, worked for Roy Baughman, learned his plumbing trade, and later came the birth of his second son Michael C. Walker.
After spending fun-filled weekend trips to the beach in Ocean City, he decided to move in 1974 to make Ocean City his permanent residence. He opened his prosperous Walker Plumbing business, retiring in March 2021. His business continues to be successful being operated by his son Mike.
Bob was always a very active person outside the home. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and American Legion Post 0166 in Ocean City. Bob was not a stranger to the sewing machine. He made numerous couples costumes which awarded him and Dolores first place. He was an avid bowler which resulted in him becoming a Maryland State Team Champion.
As his family grew, his active role evolved into avid field hockey, tennis, and softball fan rooting for his precious granddaughters born to his son Bob and Terry (Wyatt) Walker. He would be seen on the sidelines of Pop Warner football games and YMCA basketball games cheering his grandsons born to his son Michael and Sandi (Hopkins) Walker. He was an important part of the coaching staff of Lewes Little League and standing next to his son Mike. Bob was known by many members in the league as Pop.
Bob longed for the workweek to end because he knew it was time for the beach. Most weekends were spent on the beach with his entire family together. His granddaughter quoted, “She would love watching the joy on people’s faces as they watched this white-haired man body surf all day long.” He grew a love for surf fishing which he learned from both of his sons. He never lost the ability to “Get his groove on” on the dance floor, which is photographed at his grandchildren’s weddings. Bob thoroughly loved and enjoyed his life, and had a contagious smile and personality.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother James H. Walker Jr.; his sister Barbara A. (Walker) Green; his brother Donald G. Walker; and his firstborn and namesake Robert L. Walker Jr.; his mother-in-law and father-in-law who thought of Bob as a son, Alvin Edward and Ethel Marie (Nash) Unger.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dolores (Unger) Walker of Milton; his son, Michael C. (Sandi) of Lewes; his granddaughters: Lindsay Harrington (Nick) of Frankford, Caitlin Daw (Joe) of Berlin, Md.; his grandsons: Steven (Sara) of Bealeton, Va.; and Bradley of Lewes; his great-grandchildren: Makenzie and Madelyn Harrington, Teagan and Wyatt Daw, and Marshall Walker; his always and will be daughter-in-law, Terry (Wyatt Walker) Pouliot (Brian) of Berlin; his sister-in-law, Nancy (Unger) Ledger (Sandy) of Thurmont, Md.; his numerous nieces and nephews and their additional family members; and his beloved best feline friend, Charlie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Final care for Bob has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Visit Bob's Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
