Richard “Dick” W. Walker, 76, of Peoria, passed away at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.

  Dick was born on October 7, 1929 in Highland Park, MI, son of Merton Walker, Sr. and Viola Smith Walker.  He married Marilyn K. Stocks Hill on New Years Day in 1976 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Peoria.  She survives.

  Dick is also survived by his three daughters, Maura (George) Turner of Leawood, KS; Kristin (John) Walker of Wheaton, IL; Megan Walker (Jeff Putnam) of Peoria; son, Todd (Paty) Walker of San Antonio, TX; step-daughter, Stephanie Hill of Pekin; step-son, Bob Hill of Manito; thirteen grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mert.

  Dick was a life-long member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  He served on the church Session Committee for twenty-seven years, with much of the time serving on the Finance Committee.  He had a beautiful bass voice.  He sang in the church choir, was a soloist and sang with the Bradley Community Chorus.  His passions included camping, nature, travel, photography, music and spending time with his wife in their motor home.  He traveled extensively across the United States, throughout his life.

  Dick was a graduate of Peoria High School and was an Eagle Scout.  He graduated from Northwestern University in 1952 and earned his MBA from the University of California at Berkeley in 1956.  He was a U.S. Navy Veteran.  Dick retired in 1990, after over thirty years of service, as the Manager of Division Support Service with Caterpillar, Inc. National Headquarters in Peoria.

  Memorial services were held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at his church, with Rev. Dr. W. Clay Macaulay and Rev. Anna C. Saxon officiating.  Organ music was provided by Carroll Green.  The Westminster Choir performed "When in Our Music God is Glorified", "Ave Verum" and "For All the Saints".  A beautiful rendition of "Farewell to Glasgow" was performed by Anna Saxon (Flute) and Jeff Putnam (Guitar).  Megan Walker and The Rev. Donald Schomacker shared special Words of Remembrances.  Dr. Macaulay delivered his message, to a full sanctuary, of how Dick lived his life like a Saint.  Family and friends gathered in the Fellowship Hall at the O'Neill Parish House for a reception, after the services.

  A private interment was held at 2:30 p.m. at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Development Fund at Westminster Presbyterian Church.