David A Walker III

David A. Walker III, 77, of Erie died on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at UPMC Hamot.

He was born May 28, 1946, a son to David A. Walker, Jr., and Dorothy M. (Robertson) Walker.

David graduated from Rice Avenue Union High School. Following high school, he entered the work force as a laborer for Eriez Magnetics. Over the next 43 years he gradually advanced within the company, ultimately assuming the role of head of Traffic Management. He orchestrated all aspects of inbound and outbound shipments, managing the logistics of supplies and equipment. He retired with a job well done, two days after his 62nd birthday, happy to be gone fishing at the week’s end. He also owned the Girard Beer Distributorship for a number of years.

He was a man of music, feeling the rhythm as he skillfully played with many bands, the most notable being Davey and the Dristans, the Classmates, and Dave’s Garage Band, taking center stage at every local bar around town as the lead singer and guitarist. His family hunting camp in Wilcox, PA was a welcome getaway and hunting cabin. He was a wonderful cook at his home kitchen, “Dave’s Diner.” Among his signature dishes were wedding soup and 14-pound lasagna. He was an explorer, venturing to Hawaii on vacation multiple times. Dave loved to fish on his prize boat, the Wave Walker, docked at the Erie Yacht Club, of which he was a member for many years. He also loved golfing with his friends from the L’il Buddies golfing group. Active in various circles, he was also a member of the Erie Traffic Club and the Kelso Woods Association. Dave will be remembered as having the spirit of an “energizer bunny,” always on the go, and a man who enjoyed a shot and a beer with friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy M. (Robertson) Walker; his wife, Judith (Pry) Walker; sister, Linda Walker.

He will be greatly missed by his family, which include his father, David A. Walker, Jr.; fiancée, Katy Merriam; daughters, Darcy Krzic (Chuck) and Julie Sallade (Jim); brother, Jim Walker (Carol); sister, Terry Smedley (Dave); grandchildren, Bradley Walker (Chelsey), Jamie Roby (Shane), Julie O’Leary (EJ), Chloe Parise (Aaron), and Riley Parise (Max); nine great-grandchildren; former wife and mother of Darcy and Julie, Barbara Arnold Walker; former wife, Dixie Santillan, her daughter and step-daughter to David, Vanessa Jones; a dear friend, John Goss; several nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Penny.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Millcreek Food Pantry, c/o Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3642 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506.

Friends may call on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 10:00 am to the time of celebration of life at 12:00 noon at the Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. E., Girard, PA.

To send condolences, visit edderfuneralhome.com.

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