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Obituaries
Robert H. Walker, Jr.
Robert H. Walker Jr. was born on February 28, 1935, to Bessie May Hutchens and Robert H. Walker Sr. in Newport News and died on January 16, 2023, after a long illness. He graduated from Newport News High School in 1953 and Hampden Sydney College with a BS in Chemistry in 1957. Here he met the love of his life, Sally O’ Malley at Longwood. Bob was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and Chi Beta Phi honorary society. Upon graduation, he went to work for the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., and then transferred to the testing laboratory. Then Bob became a Marine Chemist and was certified in 1962. Bob opened a testing laboratory in 1980 in Newport News, VA. Organizations he belonged to are: Chairman Marine chemist Association in 1962, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Chemical Society, the American Society of Safety Engineers, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, was on the board of the American Society of Safety Engineers, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, was on the boards of the Peninsula Port Authority from March 1980 till 1988 of Signet Bank, and then James River Country Club. Bob was a finance chairman at First United Methodist Church for five years and was on the church council, the staff parish committee, and the church Foundation. Bob was very proud of all his accomplishments, but most of all his family. Bob was a devoted husband and Father, especially PaPa.
Bob was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Walker.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sally Walker; sons, Robert H. Walker III (Stacy), Charles Gary Walker (Gina), and daughter Cindy Walker Marstellar (Rick); nine grandchildren, Robert H. Walker IV (Madison), LeeAnn Elder (John), Richard M. Marstellar (Reagan), Chelsea Marstellar, Isabel Marstellar, Charles Walker Jr, Caitlyn Walker, Casey Walker, and Danielle Walker; as well as eight great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Jan. 20th from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Jan. 21st at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. The burial will be private.
1 Comment
Mr. Walker provided an environment where many employees started training and careers that stayed with them throughout their work history. I learned so much about different work places, health and safety issues, regulations, standards, and the skills to solve safety problems. Without Mr. Walker’s mentoring, I would never have advanced in my field and achieved professional certifications (Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional). He also provided the opportunity for me to further develop my professional skills by serving on various boards and committees. I was blessed to know and work with Mr. Walker.