Obituary of Lonnie Hobert Walker

Brother Lonnie Walker was born in Shelbyville, Indiana on September 25, 1943 to the late Thomas L. Walker and Suzanne L. Walker-Fykes. He accepted Christ when he was 14 years old and joined the First Baptist Church of Shelbyville. In 1962 he graduated from Shelbyville High School where he excelled in academics, football, and basketball. He received letters in both sports and won the prestigious Paul Cross Award in basketball in which he was so very proud. In October 2014, he re-dedicated his life to Christ at The New Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastoral Leadership of his Uncle, Dr. Abner Carey, Jr. Lonnie joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and served for three years. In 1969 Lonnie joined an elite unit of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of the Reconnaissance Unit where he learned special skills in scuba diving and parachuting. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1969 where he used the survival skills he learned during his special training. He enjoyed sharing with all of us about the jumps he made into enemy territory. Lonnie was also a Green Beret. After his tour of duty ended in Vietnam he was transferred to the U.S. Navy yard in D.C. where he served as a Marine guard. In 1972 after his tour of duty ended, he received an honorable discharge and accepted a job as a Correctional Officer at the Lorton Reformatory. In 1977, he accepted a job as a Security Guard at Laurel Regional Hospital. In 1980, he changed careers and joined the Maintenance Department where he specialized in refrigeration, HVAC and general hospital equipment operations. In 1995, Lonnie accepted a position as a Stationary Engineer with Consolidated Engineer Services which later became EMCOR Government Services. To the excitement of the family (THANK YOU JESUS), Lonnie ended his career with EMCOR after 17 years of employment and then retired on August 22, 2014. In 1974 he met Marie Isabella Brooks and on June 26, 1976 they were joined in holy matrimony. To this union were born two “wonderful sons”, Damen Lonnie Walker, Sr. and Andre Michael Walker, Sr. Lonnie peacefully departed this life on Saturday, March 14, 2015. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 38.9 years Marie, daughter Dorlonda, sons Damen, Sr. (Veronica) and Andre, Sr. (Keasha), five “beloved and amazingly loved” grandchildren, JeRone, Andre, Jr., Christopher, Damen, Jr., and Londyn Walker (lovingly called “Lil Mama” by her Pop), father, Arnold Fykes, aunt Gertrude F. Wimbery, devoted uncle and aunt, Dr. Abner Carey Jr. and Rachel Carey, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, church members, co-workers, and friends. Although Lonnie was an only child, he was a loving and fun brother-in-law to Marie’s siblings, who will also cherish his memories, Tilton, Jr. (Janice), Lawrence (Valerie), David (Sonia), and Tia (Gene). Lonnie was an extremely kind and giving man who showed so much love, happiness, and compassion to all. We will never forget his dedication to work, his sense of humor, playful behavior, joyful temperament, commitment to family and friends, and the love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be missed and will ALWAYS be in the heart of all who knew and loved him.