JERRY K. WALKER

JERRY KENT WALKER, age 74, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 5:08 a.m., Thursday, July 18, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his loving and faithful family. Born on February 23, 1939 in Coesse, he was the son of Paul Walker and Margaret (Miller) Walker.

He graduated from Coesse High School in 1957 and Indiana Tech in 1960 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. On May 28, 1960, he married Betty J. Wherry.He worked for the State Highway Department of Illinois from 1960 to 1961. Jerry returned back to Indiana and worked for INDOT as a bridge engineer. He was a Registered Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer and earned his P.E. in Engineering. He was the Project Engineer of the Blue River Bridge and also several stretches of U.S. Highway 30. Jerry also worked for the Allen County Highway Department in the Engineering Department, Z.K. Tazian Associates and was the County Engineer for the Whitley County Highway Department. He started his own Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer Business in 1985, Walker & Associates. He retired and sold his business in 2005.

Jerry served on the Parkview Whitley County Hospital Board from 1995 to 2005, as well as the board for The Center for Whitley County Youth. He went on several mission work trips to Haiti and also to Biloxi, Mississippi. Jerry was an active member of First Church of God, serving in his church and community. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, gardening, his friends who he shared many laughs with, and all his friends at the back table. Jerry spent a lot of time with his grandkids, serving as a role model throughout their lives and providing many happy memories.

Surviving relatives include his wife of 53 years, Betty; children, Gregory Kent (Lynn) Walker of Ava, MO, Susan Colleen (Jerry) Wood and Douglas Kelly (Amber) Walker, both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Lauren Jane Walker, Ian Kent Walker, Allison Louise Wood, Grant Walker Wood, Samantha Jane Wood, Colin Joseph Wood, Lucas John Walker and Garett Kelly Walker; sisters, Jean Mossburg, Phyllis Bearand Lois Smith, all of Columbia City.

Visitation is from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 21, 2013 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2013 at First Church of God, 1200 DePoy Drive, Columbia City with calling starting one hour prior to service. Pastor Johnny McCallister will be officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Walker to The Center for Whitley County Youth or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.