Richard Larue Walker

Richard (Dick) LaRue Walker, a longtime resident of Hastings, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Carveth Village in Middleville, Michigan.

Dick was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on March 2, 1931, to Mrs. Zela Walker and Claude Walker. Claude passed away in December 1930 in Massachusetts, prior to Dick's birth. Zela and Claude's family had lived in the Kalamazoo area, so Zela returned there with her two sons after her husband's untimely death from a ruptured appendix. Dick was born three months after her return to Kalamazoo. Claude Walker had been a manager for Shakespeare Rod and Reel in Kalamazoo and at corporate offices in Massachusetts.

Dick had two older brothers, Claude Jr. and Robert Walker, who both served in WWII. They lived in Florida for many years and are now deceased.

Dick attended Kalamazoo Public Schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1948, followed by enlistment in the Navy (1948-1953). He was an original 1949 crew member of the Salem CA-139. After five and a half years of Mediterranean tours during the Korean War era, Dick enlisted in the Air Force (1968-1970). He worked with long-range ground radar with postings in Texas, Zaragoza, Spain, and Pennsylvania. He retired from the military in 1970.

Dick was married to Mary A. Gracey for forty-seven years until her passing in 1999. They had two children. In 2002, he married Thelma Buehler Poll, residing in Hastings until her passing in 2006. He remained close to Thelma's children, especially Bob and Tammy Beuhler. Dick was also preceded in death by his mother, Zela, and his brothers, Claude and Robert of Jacksonville, Florida.

Folks in Hastings will remember Dick as an avid bowler and euchre player who enjoyed a good story. Members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church will recall how much he enjoyed their fellowship times. In his later years, he became quite a reader and was addicted to his Kindle. During this time, he traveled extensively with his partner, Ruth Hill, and together they enjoyed watching the wildlife on Algonquin Lake and regularly followed the Detroit Lions. He also remained close with Ruth's children, Beth Gowen of Okemos and Jeff Komar, as well as their families.

He will be remembered fondly by his son, Steven Richard of Cathedral City, California; daughter Bonnie Lee of Portage, Michigan; grandson, Peter (Christina) of Seattle, Washington; granddaughter, Judge Helena Walker of Washington, D.C.; and great-grandchildren, Victoria and Stephen of Seattle, WA.

A memorial service followed by a luncheon will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Military Honors by American Legion Post 45, Hastings. Memorial contributions can be made to Michigan Parkinson's Founation https://parkinsonsmi.org/ (Donate). Interment will be at Kalamazoo Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.