Harry S. Walker of Cincinnati, OH, passed away peacefully December 11, 2024, at the age of 93. Beloved husband of 68 years to the late Peg F. Walker and cherished father of Buzz (Susanne) Walker, Tom (Lynn) Walker, Kathy (Doug) Miller, Theresa (John) Cummins, Steve (Jasmin) Walker, Margy (Doug) Clark, Michael (Kate) Walker, and the late Jim Walker. Loving grandfather of Eric Walker, Kyle Walker, Patrick Walker, Ryan Walker, Walker Miller, Becca Miller, Brayden Miller, Megan Dickson, Madelyn Cummins, Ben Cummins, Allison Gossett, Lauren Kendzicky, Melina Walker, Emily West, Shelby Ray, Olivia Boeh, Mitchell Clark, Charlotte Walker, and Avery Walker. Caring great-grandfather of 15 great-grandchildren. Harry is also survived by his sister, Barbara Bader, and her loving family.

Friends and family will be received from 9:30 to 10:45 AM Friday, December 20, at St. Columban Catholic Church, 894 Oakland Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, where a Mass of Christian Burial will occur at 11 AM. A luncheon will follow immediately at St Columban at 12 PM. Internment will follow at 2 PM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery, Montgomery, OH 45249. In lieu of flowers, we invite those wanting to remember Harry to make a donation to one of the charities he supported: Catholic Inner-city Schools Education (CISE) ; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) ; or Hospice of Cincinnati .

Harry, born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Denver, Colorado, lived a life of extraordinary faith, service, and devotion to family. Born during the Great Depression and shaped by the challenges of World War II during his teenage years, Harry's early life reflected resilience and purpose. As a Boy Scout, he planted a victory garden to provide extra fresh food for his family and collected tin cans for the war effort. Through determination and focused energy, he became an Eagle Scout in just three years.

Despite the uncertainties of his era, Harry's youth was also filled with joy. He relished Saturday trips to the cinema, music, sports, and chemistry. By high school, his talents flourished: he earned roles in theater productions, achieved first chair clarinet in band and orchestra, and became a state singles tennis champion. His academic and extracurricular achievements earned him a full-tuition scholarship to Princeton University, where he studied chemical engineering.

At Princeton, Harry embraced the challenges of an Ivy League education. Over a thousand miles from home, he thrived by forming friendships and continuing his musical pursuits. He played in the Princeton band and orchestra and founded a jazz group that performed gigs to help fund his education. His motivation was inspired by a quote from Abraham Lincoln that hung over his childhood desk: "I do the very best I know how – the very best I can; and mean to keep doing so to the very end. If the end brings me out alright, what is said against me won't amount to anything."

Graduating with honors, Harry went to work for Atlantic Refining Company and shortly after he was drafted into the Army. Attending university and first job on the east coast proved an important decision that ultimately led Harry to find the love of his life, Peg Flemming. Harry needed minor surgery, and nurse Peggy's warm, tender care ultimately blossomed into a 68-year marriage, creating a family of eight children. Harry and Peg's devotion to their family and faith left a lasting legacy.

After completing an army intelligence assignment in Dayton, Ohio, Harry began a 35-year career at Procter & Gamble, settling in Cincinnati with his new bride. His time at P&G was marked by significant achievements, including developing new products, building facilities, and fostering a diverse workforce. Yet Harry's proudest professional decision was retiring early to answer a higher calling. After earning a master's degree in theology, he began a second career as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church, serving at Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Columban parishes for over two decades. His deep faith and dedication to service inspired countless parishioners.

Family was central to Harry's life. He prioritized a stable home life over promotions. He ensured there was a two week vacation every summer, typically in a VW Camper bus he modified to accommodate the wood boxes he made for each of the children to store their clothes. The VW bus and blue and yellow canvas tent visited most of the contiguous 48 states, with many trips to Port St. Joe, Fl with other families with what became a spring break tradition. Harry and Peg also extended their love to others, sponsoring foreign exchange students and supporting inner-city school programs.

In retirement, Harry nurtured his creative talents, returning to gardening and cultivating award-winning daylilies, even creating new hybrids. His generosity, humor, and wisdom left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Harry summed up his life philosophy simply: "Life is good. It's all about relationships. That's where life's treasure resides."

Harry Walker lived his life in service to others, embodying his faith and enriching the lives of those around him. His family and friends will miss his wisecracks, gratefulness, and profound wisdom.

Well done, Harry, dad, granddad, great-grandad, uncle you found life's treasure, lived your faith well, and taught us all how to find it too. You did the very best you could and did so to the end.