Bob E. Walker, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, Texas made his last flight and earned his final set of wings on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Titus Regional Medical Center. He was born on June 12, 1932 on Maynard Ranch, South of Roscoe, Texas to Oren E. and Maude Harpole Walker. Bob graduated from Cooper High School in Cooper, Texas in 1949 at the age of 16. He then attended East Texas State University and graduated in 1956 with a Math & Physics degree. He was a Cadet Commander of the ROTC his senior year and received the honor as a Distinguished Military Graduate. While attending East Texas State University he was a member of the Sig Ep fraternity, formerly known as the Tejas Club. Bob entered the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1956 and quickly rose to Captain, where he flew various aircraft and helicopters until he was honorably discharged in 1964.
After attending Arizona State University and receiving his Masters Degree in Mathematics, he began his career as a Bell Helicopter Production Test Pilot. He authorized the program for the Eagle Eye unmanned aircraft. Bob was a project pilot for the 214A, 214B, and 214C Models for the Iranian Air Force and the 222 twin jet corporate helicopter. He obtained the first FAA certification for the Model 222 series of helicopters, was project pilot for the German certification of the Model 222 and obtained military qualification for the U.S. Marine helicopter AH1T aircraft. Bob was designated engineering representative for FAA Certifications and was a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, which made it possible for him to have the honor of mingling with the first eight U.S. astronauts. He retired from Bell Helicopter in 1990 as the Manager of Research and Development.
His last job in life was one paid with only love from his wife as her secretary and builder. He typed all of her weekly newsletters and made any prop that her heart desired for her kindergartners.
Bob was a member of Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church and a former member of the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, where he served on the board of directors. He was a very active member of the Republican party and was a precinct judge for several years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Delores Daniels Walker; his children and their spouses, Lynn Connolly, Tracy and Robert Croysdale, and Robert Walker; and his step-children and their spouses, James Rex and Denise Redfearn and Jennifer and Jeff Howell; as well as nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Kay Nancy Nesbitt Walker; his parents, Oren and Maude Walker; and his brother, O.E. Walker.
A visitation will be held following the service. Online registry is available at batescoopersloanfuneralhome.com.