Thomas Cole Walker

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Thomas Cole Walker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and son, passed from his earthly body on Nov. 23, 2011. He was born on Sept. 14, 1929, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Frank D. Walker and Dorothy Mae “Tommie” Cole Walker. His love of God, family and country provided the guiding principles throughout his blessed life.

Tom graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1947 and DePauw University in 1951, where he was class President, played football and ran track. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Otis Bowen.

Tom worked for the Bell Telephone System companies and Ameritech for over 40 years in numerous capacities, retiring in 1990 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Indiana Bell, where he also served on its Board of Directors. His leadership, integrity and keen financial acumen were also evident during his service on the Boards of Directors of Anthem Insurance Company and INB/Bison Money Market Fund.

Tom was an active volunteer and community leader, serving for many years on the Indianapolis 500 Festival Board of Directors, including service as President. He was also active in the Salvation Army, Rotary Club, and the Lawrence and Fishers United Methodist Churches. He cherished the time he spent with family members and friends during summers at Lake Wawasee in Northeast Ind., and the winter months on Siesta Key, Fla.

These career positions, activities and honors cannot adequately describe the way Tom touched the lives of so many family members and close friends. His caring and compassionate manner of supporting those he loved and respected in such special and individual ways will be missed immensely and remembered forever.

Tom is survived by his loving wife and partner of over 59 years, Dorothy “Dottie” Lou Henson Walker, who he adored throughout the years they explored life’s adventures together; brother Frank D. Walker (Jane) of Indianapolis; children David Frank Walker (Wendy) of Clearwater, Fla., Karen Walker Holiday (Jim) of New Palestine, Michael Thomas Walker (Jan) of Tulsa, Okla., Linda Walker Thrapp (Richard) of Indianapolis; and 9 grandchildren: Laura Walker, Wesley and Walter Holiday, Alex and Madeline Walker, Katie, Julie, JT and Kelly Thrapp.

Services will be on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at 3 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan, Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Rd., with visitation from 12 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, Tom has requested that contributions be made to the Salvation Army, 3100 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.flannerbuchanan.com