John Walker

John Raymond Walker was born September 18, 1927, at Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC. He was the 10th and youngest child of Clinton Dewitt and Mary Smith Walker. He was better known as Johnny, as well as, "Hunky" by his family. The story goes, in the small town of Berwyn Heights, MD, where he grew up, during his early years as a tot, he was running home because he had an accident. He told his Dad that he "hunkied in his pants" and from that day forward, he became Hunky or Hunk!

In 1942, Johnny joined the Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad following in the footsteps of his father, brothers, mother and sisters. It was a family affair. Johnny served the department in many capacities. He held the offices of Vice President, Lieutenant, Trustee and Assistant Chief. He was a member of the bowling team and slow pitch men's softball team (all the Walker boys and spouses of the sisters played ball) and attended many parades and occasionally dressed as a clown. He was a proud member of our company's hook-up team and enjoyed competing in the games at the annual county convention.

On September 21, 1950, Johnny was inducted into the Armed Forces of the United States Army where he was stationed in Stutgarten, Germany and served as a Cook and was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 18th Infantry Regiment, which was one of three Regiments of the famous First Infantry Regiments. He transferred to the Army Reserve on August 15, 1952, and was honorably discharged on August 22, 1956.

Johnny met the love of his life, Frances Joy, and they were married on October 23, 1954. They resided in Berwyn Heights where their daughter Joan Joy Walker better known as Joanie was born and raised just like her Dad. Joanie married Jim Montgomery and they blessed her parents with two children, Jerry and Jaclyn, and was blessed again with great grandchildren, Misty, Dylan, Hailey, Devon and Shane. They all were the apple of their Pop Pop's eye, he was so proud of them and you could see the love he had for them in his smile.

Johnny and Fran moved to Bowie in 1980 but that didn't stop him from serving the BHVFD. Every Monday night you could find Johnny up in the bingo caller box calling bingo for the town residents. He enjoyed being up in the loft looking down on the crowd. In 1982, Berwyn Heights hosted the 60th Prince George's County Volunteer Fireman's Association Convention and the Convention book was dedicated to Johnny for his 40 years of loyal and continuous service to the BHVFD community.

Johnny retired from the Washington Post in 1994 after 40 years working as a Stereotyper, then ending his career as an Engraver. He and Fran then sold their house in Bowie and headed north to New Freedom, PA, to be closer to Joanie and family. But that didn't stop them from coming to family gatherings, fire department events, etc. They just hopped in the car and were there in no time. They enjoyed visiting family and friends, sometimes even surprising loved ones after doctor visits to the old neighborhood. Our family has enjoyed the times they spent with Uncle John and will cherish those memories forever, especially when he asked you to hold his teeth!

Over the years, during his working at the Post, he was a member of the Greenbelt American Legion Post 136. He participated as chaperone to his daughter's activities with the Carroll-Tones Drum and Bugle Corp which competed at State and National competition level up until the mid 1970s. He also was a Coach to his daughter's softball teams well up to the 90's.

On November 30, 2015, God called Johnny home and he left us peacefully. We find comfort in knowing that he is with his parents, siblings, and multitude of friends and relatives that have gone on before us. Heaven has gained a great soul and we have gained another guardian angel to watch over us.

Rest easy Johnny Walker until we meet again you will forever be in our hearts.

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