By Elaine Trumpey
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mr. Walker

William L. Walker, a longtime Cincinnati businessman who served on numerous boards, died June 29 after a lengthy illness.

The former Hyde Park resident was 83.

Mr. Walker was a community-minded leader who worked tirelessly for a number of Cincinnati organizations, friends and family said. He served in leadership positions for the Fine Arts Fund, United Way and Hyde Park Community Methodist Church.

With his wife, Louise Crutcher Walker, he was a founding member of Cancer Family Care. He also was a founding board member of the Cincinnati Gyro Club.

"Our parents socialized together and I've known him since we were infants," said Polk Laffoon, a lifelong friend. "He was as kind and well-liked as anyone I ever knew."

A graduate of Walnut Hills High School, Mr. Walker earned a degree from the University of Cincinnati School of Engineering. He began his career with the Cincinnati Milling Machine Co., then founded Walker Machinery Co. in 1951. He retired as chairman of the Walker Group in 1993.

Mr. Walker served on the boards of Bardes Corp., Christ Hospital, Wesley Hall, the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the Cincinnati Country Club. He was a member of the Commonwealth Club, Sportsman Pilots' Association and the Ohio Society.

During World War II, Mr. Walker was a captain in the Army Air Corps and a member of a crew that conducted weather reconnaissance missions in the Pacific.

He later obtained a pilot's license, purchased a plane and regularly flew family and friends to the family's summer home in Leland, Mich.

"He was generous with his time and his talent ... and always gracious," said one of his three daughters, Louise Walker Borden of Terrace Park. "The three of us feel blessed to have had such a vibrant role model."

Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his wife in 1996.

Besides his daughter, Louise, Mr. Walker is survived by two other daughters, Cynthia Walker Curchin of Joplin, Mo., and Margaret Walker Comey of Hyde Park; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services have been held.

Memorials can be made to Wesley Hall, 315 Lilienthal, Cincinnati, OH 45204; or Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, 1345 Grace Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208.

E-mail etrumpey@enquirer.com