Richard "Rick" E, Walker

Richard “Rick” E. Walker, 63, of Conneaut died October 28, 2021, surrounded by family at Geauga Medical Center following a hard-fought battle with Covid pneumonia. He was born August 11, 1958, to Stanley Walker and Grace (McCumber) Emery in Conneaut, Ohio. 

He was a faithful member and deacon of South Ridge Baptist church. Rick worked in the field of developmental disabilities for about 20 years. He worked at Vitality Supported Living and brought love, light and humor to every situation. He worked with his partner in crime, Luarinda Ritchey. Together they had a vision to change the lives that they served. Rick’s dedication to all individual lives was indescribable. Rick was one of a kind, someone who poured his heart and soul into every situation. No matter the situation, Rick wanted to make sure that everyone was taken care of. Rick’s love of Special Olympics was amazing, making sure all athletes felt supported and encouraged. We know that the Lord is saying, “well done my faithful servant.” 

He had a passion and deep love for people and was driven to help others whether it was helping a complete stranger change a tire on the side of the road or give you the shirt off his own back to keep you warm. His love was even deeper for his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Rick is survived by his wife Dianna (Ashby) Walker whom he married forty years ago on July 18, 1981; his favorite children: Jason(Jessica) Walker of Ashtabula, OH, Jessica (Maquindes) Mehu of Groveland, Fl, Susan (Matthew) Wadsworth of Virginia Beach, Va., and Melissa Walker of Orlando, Fl., siblings Kevin (Mary) Stowe, Patrick Stowe, Reid Walker, Robert Walker, David Walker, Viki Eaton , Bonnie Borso and Linda Morse; fourteen grandchildren Georgina, Brendan, Tyler, Natalie, Maqlynn, Destinee, Liana, Olivia, Jandrick, Warren, Wolf, Luis, Karsten and Coco. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Ray Walker, sister Alice Demoss and granddaughter Coralyn. 

Funeral Service will be 11:00am, November 2, 2021, at South Ridge Baptist Church, 924 Center St, Conneaut, OH., 44030, with Rev. Dr. Roger Hogle officiating. Burial will follow in South Ridge Baptist Cemetery. 

Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00pm on November 1, 2021, at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, OH., 44030, who has been entrusted with the care of the Walker Family. 

Memorial Contributions can be made to the family (Dianna Walker) for the future Rick Walker Special Olympics Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. 

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