Charles Frederick Walker, 96 HARTFORD CITY – Charles Frederick Walker passed away Friday, June 8, 2018 at his rural home in Hartford City, IN. with his family by his side. Born November 2, 1921, he was the second of three sons born to William and Ella Ruth (Price) Walker and lived his entire life, except for 3 years, on the family farm built by his grandfather, Frederick Walker, who immigrated to America from Germany in 1872.
His mother died in 1985 and his father died in 1967. … Read More » Charles graduated from Montpelier High School, Montpelier, Indiana in 1940. He graduated with a short course in Animal Husbandry from Purdue University in 1941.
Charles married the love of his life, Betty June Vallad, on November 4, 1945 at Zion Lutheran Church, Hartford City, IN. and their love story went on for 71 years. Betty preceded him in death May 31, 2017.
Charles farmed all of his life planting and harvesting corn, beans and wheat. He had planted the original 40 acres for 80 years. Thru the years he raised lambs, hogs, baby calves, and mostly recently feeder calves.
Originally he farmed with his father. Then he traded machinery and labor with his brother Lloyd. Then he and his son, Fred, farmed in a family corporation.
He was very proud that the next generation was continuing the farming operation. In 1986 Charles was awarded the Indiana Prairie Farmer Master Farmer for Excellence Award. In the past, Charles served on the Blackford County Area Plan Commission, Blackford County Farm Bureau, Inc., Blackford County Co-op, and Prairie Creek Drainage Board.
He also was a member of the Indiana Beef Cattlemen’s Association and served on the board of directors of the Montpelier Branch of Producers Marketing Association. He discovered golf in his 60’s and continued playing into his early 90’s. He loved sports especially basketball, football and golf and was an ardent fan of the Purdue Boilermakers.
Collegiate basketball was his favorite. He was baptized December 25, 1921 at Zion Lutheran Church, Hartford City, IN. where he was a member his entire life.
He served his church in many capacities thru the years. Charles will be missed by son Fred (Linda) Walker of Hartford City, IN. and daughter Brenda (John) Kearns of Muncie, IN.
: six grandchildren, Elaine Rector, Muncie, IN. ; Marcus Rector, Garden City, Idaho; Drew (Michelle) Walker, Hartford City, IN. ; Paige Walker, Ft.
Myers, Florida; Kyle (Annie) Bedwell, Greentown, IN. ; and Ann (Austin) Deardorff, Macy, IN. One step-grandson, Paul (Jammie) Kearns.
Mishawaka, IN. Twelve great-grandchildren, Loren Rector, Melanie Rector, Hope Kearns, Keaton, Reece and Makenna Walker, Teagan, Hudson and Grayson Bedwell and Dane, Cole and Aria Deardorff. One great-great granddaughter, Emily Kearns Purcell; one brother, Lawrence Walker and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, Betty, he is proceeded in death by daughter Margo (2007) and son-in-law Doug Bedwell (2010) and brother, Lloyd Walker (2002). Calling hours will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 North High Street, Hartford City, IN and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church. His Celebration of Life service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, 308 South Monroe St., Hartford City, IN with Rev.
David Fleener officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Hartford City, IN. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the Blackford County Community Foundation.
Online condolences may be made to www.
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