Walker, Jr., Edward Fletcher

Edward Fletcher Walker Jr left this world on September 24, 2023. He died peacefully at home with his family by his side. Fletcher was born August 23rd, 1931, to Edward Walker Sr and Dorothy (French) Walker in Baltimore Maryland.

He was surrounded by many wonderful aunts and uncles and his beloved grandmother during his young life. His formative years found him in Bremerton Washington with his siblings Phyllis and James Walker. Growing up on the Hood Canal and attending Kitsap High School, he was active in sports and fishing. He attended Olympia Community College for several years majoring in Architecture before enlisting in the Air Force.

He traveled to Massachusettes while in the service and met the love of his life and dancing partner Laura Laplante of Proctorsville Vermont. They wed in 1952 and settled in Fairfax County Virginia. Ed graduated from George Washington University and began his long career as an electrical engineer with NASA at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Ed and Laura raised two daughters, Pamela and Kathleen, in Springfield Virginia. After raising their family, they moved to Cocoa Beach, Florida to continue his work on the Apollo program at Cape Canaveral. Before retiring, Ed worked on the Moon Landing and the Space Shuttle programs.

Ed and Laura were avid ballroom dancers. They enjoyed many friends and family through their weekly dancing activities in Cocoa Beach. He loved ocean swimming and fishing. They eventually moved back to Virginia to be closer to family and their grandchildren and settled in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Ed continued his love of basketball, playing weekly at the Christiansburg Recreation Center and participating in many Senior Olympics competitions. Ed and Laura enjoyed weekly dances at the Floyd Country store and the Hillbilly Opry. They met many wonderful people through their love of dancing. Ed valued his many friends through basketball, senior Olympics, poker games, dancing, and listening to live music.

His life dance partner, Laura, passed away in April 2018, he missed her every day. Ed spent his remaining years with his daughters and their families. They included him in many enjoyable activities and travel experiences.

He passed away peacefully at home with the wish to reunite with Laura. A private graveside service will be held in Proctorsville Vermont.