Charles L. Walker Jr. 11-10-1929 – 12-16-2018
Charles L. Walker Jr. 89, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at his home, December 16th, 2018. Charlie was born November 10th, 1929 to the late Clara Louise and Charles L. Walker Sr. Charlie was preceded in death by his brother William Ward Walker. He is survived by his loving wife Donna R Walker, and their children Kathy Little (Tom) and their children Ben (Nikki) and their children Peyton and Hobson, Katie Little; Charles L. Walker III (Betsy) and their children Laura Swafford (Sam), Kristen and Charles L. Walker IV; Sally Gindling (Ken).
Charlie attended Shortridge High School and DePauw University where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Charlie returned home from DePauw to go to work for his father in the family business, Walker Cleaners, where he was President/CEO until his retirement in 1999.
Charlie married Donna Ruth Barrett in 1956 and they celebrated their 62nd anniversary this past year at their granddaughter’s wedding.
Charlie was an active member of the Indianapolis community, holding memberships in many clubs and organizations including: Indianapolis Athletic Club, Highland Golf and Country Club, Tippecanoe Country Club, Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis, Director of the 500 Festival, Indianapolis 500 Ole timers club, where he received the Louis Meyer Award in 2011. He was a member of Mystic Tie Lodge #398, a Scottish Rite Mason and severed as Sovereign Prince of the Saraiah Council of Jerusalem from 1980 – 1982. Charlie was an Emeritus member of the Junto of Indianapolis, a 52-year member, serving as its President in 1983.
One of Charlie’s passions included the running of the Indianapolis 500 and the entire month of May at the track. Charlie’s family understood that come May, he was “at the Track” where he served on the Public-Address Staff with the legendary Tom Carnegie for over 55 years, retiring from the track in 2014.
Charlie’s true passion was his love for his family and friends. Sanibel Island was where he spent many winters enjoying the warm weather, friends, and family coming and going. Charlie’s one true love was Lake Wawasee. His father purchased the family cottage in 1942, and he has watched 5 generations grow up there and it remains the center of the universe for the Walker family. Charlie loved his late-night boat rides, visits at friends’ houses, and his favorite, quiet moments on the end of the pier watching the sun set.
Family and friends will gather at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 E 86th St., Indianapolis from 4 to 7pm on Thursday December 20th. A funeral service will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church 1660 Kessler Boulevard East Drive Indianapolis, IN 46220 on Friday December 21st at 11:30am with a calling from 10:30 to 11:30. You may make a memorial contribution to the Lake Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, PO Box 548, Syracuse, IN 46567. To share a memory of Charlies please visit www.leppertmortuary.com