Robert E. “Bob” Walker, 86, of St. Marys, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 after a courageous, 2 1/2 year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Known by his family as a silent warrior, he faced the terrible diagnosis with grace and dignity – never asking one time – why me? Bob was born November 28, 1936 in Dayton, PA, a son of the late Robert Charles and Myrtle Whitacre Walker.

Bob married and is survived by his wife Betty Weaver Walker in Dayton, PA in a simple ceremony that resulted in a marriage that lasted more than 60 years.

Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army as a vehicle mechanic for two years. After moving to St. Marys in the early 1960’s, he began his career at Powdered Metal Products where he worked for 38 years until retirement.

When Bob and Betty moved to St. Marys, they purchased a “fixer upper” along Bucktail Road. After decades of hard work, the house where they raised their family is still home. Bob’s determination and work ethic was certainly passed on to his kids. He was an active member of the St. Marys Methodist Church where he really enjoyed fellowship and the time spent with his small group members.

Bob loved his garden and making trips to greenhouses each spring to look for just the right plants. He was so happy when someone would stop by and ‘take a look’ at his garden. Later in life he spent many hours sitting on a porch swing just watching everything grow as the seasons changed.

He loved basketball, going to his grandchildren’s sporting events, and visiting his friends at the Hilltop Diner, where he made nearly daily trips for many years. He also enjoyed trips to the casino, hunting when he was younger, the tv show Gunsmoke, taking car rides with Betty and in the end, just sitting outside as the weather permitted.

Bob was most proud of his grand and great-grandchildren. He was fortunate to share connecting yards with 2 of his granddaughters and their families, allowing him daily visits with 5 of the great-grandchildren. Many believe this was a contributing factor to his ability to not only survive but thrive through his illness. The holidays were amazing as the family gathered at Sandy’s house, next door, as all the children would be reconnected with their cousins and spend the days just being kids. Bob will be sorely missed but so many memories were created and will be cherished forever.

Bob is survived by his five children; Larry (Ann) Walker of Pittsburgh, Sandy (Bob) Buerk of St. Marys, Ed (Michele) Walker of Kersey, Susie (Tim) Nussbaum of Kersey, Nancy (DJ) Eckert of St. Marys, and by 12 grandchildren; Scott (Clara) Walker, Jennifer (Shane) Byrd, Steven (Amanda) Walker, Ashley (TJ) Steele, Leslie (Mike) Trumbull, Justin (Kelsey) Walker, Bryce Walker (Lauren Eckert), Katelynn Nussbaum (Hawk Bullers), Jamie Nussbaum (Lacey Williams), Kevin Eckert (Jen Hallinen), Ben Eckert, and Amy (Alex) Salvaggio. He was extra blessed with 19 great-grandchildren, Cora, Julianna, Jacob, Hannah, Emily, Lilah & Levi Walker, Jack Eckert, Sam, Luke and Maggie Byrd, Gabbie & Bobby Steele, Betsey, Garrett & Grady Trumbull, Louie, Evelyn and Olivia Salvaggio.  He is also survived by one brother; Richard “Jack” Walker of Dayton, PA and one sister; Florence Harkelroad of Indiana, PA, as well as his close friend, Denny Ginther of St. Marys.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister; Betty (Walker) Stewart.

Funeral Services for Robert E. Walker will be held on Monday, November 6th at 11:00 AM at the St. Marys Methodist Church, 140 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Rev Chris Kindle, officiating.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.
Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions would be appreciated for the St. Marys Methodist Church, 140 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA or St. Marys Ambulance Service, 773 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave, DuBois, PA 15801.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com