Thomas Armstrong Walker

On Monday, October 15, 2018 Thomas Armstrong Walker went to be with the Lord. He was 85 years old. Tom was a loving son, husband and father. He never met a stranger and loved people and animals. He loved teaching, telling stories, building & fixing things, cooking, baking and helping others. Born on Christmas Day, in 1932 in Bedford, IN Tom had a huge love for Christmas. He made sure all he knew, young and old, had food and gifts to make them comfortable and happy and to share his joy for the Christmas season. He also shared other holidays with family and friends making sure no one was left home alone during a holiday. He was a quiet man with a strong sense for fairness. He had many talents and lived a full life. As life was not always easy for him he made the best of each day and encouraged others to do the same. As his struggles with health grew, it never stopped him from leading a full life. He pushed himself to make sure he took care of his wife, family and friends. As he helped others in countless ways, he was not one to ask help of others. He will be sorely missed. Tom was in the military branch of the Army and served in the Korean War. He returned to the states where he completed his college education with his undergraduate degree at Purdue University and his masters degree at Indiana University majoring in Education. He taught automechanics for over 30 years starting at Valporaso, IN then moved to Martinsville, IN and finally moving to Bloomington in 1965 where he taught at Bloomington High School South and retiring at Hoosier Hills Vocational at Bloomington High School North. He also taught automechanics at night for several years as well. He then worked at Curry Buick as a part-time retirement job for over 17 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ione & Ovan Walker and infant daughter Kimberly Sue Walker. He leaves behind his wife Joann Walker of 64 years of marriage, two children, John (Sabrina) Walker and Mary Anne (Randy) Thacker. Four grandchildren Tony (Christie) Walker, Kyle Walker, Thomas J. (Ashley) Thacker and Amanda (Adam) Garrett, and three great-grandchildren Trevor Walker, Breeanna England-Thacker, Caleb Walker, Forrest J. Thacker and Ella Rose Marie Garrett and many cousins. There will be a graveside service at Springville West Cemetery October 18, 2018 at 11:00AM for all his family and friends and a gathering of food and stories to follow at Redman Hall in Smithville, IN. Condolences can be sent to the family through Allen Funeral Home and Crematory at www.allencares.com. Donations, in his name, can be made to the White River Animal Shelter in Bedford, IN.

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Thomas Armstrong Walker

December 25, 1932 - October 15, 2018