Richard A. Walkup, 92, of Pioneer passed away early Friday morning at his home, surrounded by his children. He was born on February 8, 1921 in Madison Township to Rue Andrew and Mabel Fern (Kirkinburg) Walkup. Richard attended Pioneer High School. He proudly served his country during WW II as a staff sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps, where he served in the Pacific Theater. On February 6, 1943 he married Mildred E. Cook and she preceded him in death on December 15, 2013.
Richard was a Bridgewater Township Farmer. He also retired in 1976 from the State Highway Department as a mechanic after 11 years. Richard was a former member of the North Bridgewater Church of God. He was also a member of the Pioneer American Legion post #307 and a lifetime member of the VFW.
He is survived by two sons, Richard (Thelma) Walkup and Robert (Stacey) Walkup all of Pioneer; one daughter Linda (Robert) Kidston of Pioneer; nine grandchildren Alex (Terra) Kidston, Zack (Kelsie) Kidston, Lizzy Kidston, Steve (Angi) Walkup, Nicky Walkup, Ron Walkup, Ben (Laura) Walkup, Ed (Michele) Walkup and Sally (Paul) Paepke; seventeen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; and one sister Eileen Miller of Jackson, Michigan.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 70 years, Mildred.
Visitation for Richard will be Sunday January 5th from 2-6 pm at the Thompson Funeral Home in Pioneer. Services will be on Monday at 11 am, at the funeral home with Pastor Darold Beck to officiate. Interment will follow at Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer with military rites provided by the Pioneer Veterans. Donations may be made to the Williams County Veterans Memorial Building or Community Health Professionals of Williams County- Hospice. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com