Douglas L. Walker

Douglas “Doug” L. Walker, was born on October 13, 1924 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Pearl Walker and Ralph G. Walker.  He was the fifth of eight children.  He passed away at age 93 on February 6, 2018 in Noblesville, Indiana.

He graduated from Florence Fay Elementary School #21 in Indianapolis.  In 1943 he graduated from Arsenal Technical High School where he met his wife, Joanna Smith.  They were married for 70 years before her passing in 2013. Doug served in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1947 in World War II. He was stationed in Hawaii with the radar division.  He felt it was an honor to serve his country, but he was anxious to get back to Indianapolis to begin a family and career to realize the American Dream.

He loved his job at the Indianapolis Fire Department for 44 years until he retired in 1991 as district chief.  He said there was never a day he didn’t enjoy going to work on the fire department.  Doug served as a mentor to numerous young firefighters throughout those many years.    Mayor Richard Lugar appointed Doug as the first Public Relations and Personnel Director of the Indianapolis Fire Department in 1966.   Mayor Lugar also appointed Doug to the Marion County Public Library Trustee Board in 1971.  He helped establish the Firefighters Political Action Committee, worked tirelessly for the Firefighter’s Local 416, and helped create the Firefighter’s Credit Union. He served as a board member of the Firefighter’s Credit Union for 30 years.

Although he never sought recognition or honors, Doug was recognized by the City County Council for his outstanding career and tireless contributions to the City of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Fire Department .  Governor Evan Bayh honored Doug’s dedication by awarding him the Sagamore of the Wabash, the state’s highest civilian honor in 1991.

In 1960 Doug and Joanna started the Walker Insurance Agency that is still located on East Washington Street in Indianapolis. He was active in the agency for over 50 years. During that time he was a member of Professional Insurance Agents and Independent Insurance Agents of America and served on several insurance company advisory councils. Doug was a member of the “People to People” Delegation of Insurance Professionals that met with insurance officials in China and Russia in 1985.

Doug served his community well throughout the years. He was a founding member of the Ransburg YMCA.  He helped establish the Ransburg’s Youth Football League and coached several years. Doug believed in the philosophy of the YMCA – healthy body, mind and spirit.  He was active in the Warren Central Dad’s Club.  He was a 50-year member of the Englewood Masonic Lodge and 32-degree Mason.

He was a true American patriot.  He loved this country and always said how fortunate he was to live in the United States.  When asked what was the best part of America he simply stated – “Freedom and opportunity.”

He always told everyone, “I’ve had a wonderful life – wonderful parents, brothers and sisters, wonderful wife, wonderful children, grandchildren and friends, great schools, the chance to serve my country and a job that I loved.”  He was a wise man with simple needs who understood life’s priorities.  Doug consistently put others before himself.  He had a grateful heart until the end.  His gratefulness and kindness were demonstrated by the way he cared for and treated others his entire life.  He was a giving, fun, dedicated and generous man.  Doug will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Although he had the chance to travel to many countries, his favorite place to vacation was Florida.  It was there that he and Joanna began a 50-year tradition of spending a week each spring with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joanna Smith Walker; brother, Jerome Walker; sisters, Lorena Davis, Martha Mates, and Jerretta May; and granddaughter, Ali Claire Cook.  Doug is survived by his children; R. Douglas Walker (Kristen); Karen J. Reynolds (Bill) and Leeann Cook Murray; brothers, Paul S. Walker and Martin “Skip” Walker (Mary); sister, Judith Ann Means; and grandchildren, Wm. Bradley Reynolds (Lisa Morgan), Andrew Reynolds (Stephanie), Justin Cook, Gwen Cook (David Jones), Lindsay Walker, Clayton Cook, Robert Walker, and Sarah Walker; and great-grandchildren, Nathan Reynolds, Annabelle Reynolds, Caroline Reynolds, Kai Walker, Leila Wilson, and Brody Wilson.  Doug was a generous, kind, loving parent, grandparent and friend.  He was a positive role model and an inspiration to us all. His children always admired him; and were proud to call him their father.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 15 from 11 AM to 7 PM at Flanner Buchanan Community Life Center, 10612 East Washington Street, (across the street from Wal-Mart), Indianapolis. Services will be held at the Community Life Center on Friday, February 16 at 11 AM.  Visitation on Friday is 10 AM-11AM

Doug requested there be no flowers at his funeral.  Rather, he wanted contributions to help children go to summer camp.  Contributions may be sent to the “Ali Cook Fund”, Ransburg YMCA, 501 N. Shortridge Rd., Indpls., IN 46219.