Col. Alan E. Walker

OCEAN PINES — Retired United States Air Force Col. Alan E. Walker, 74, of Ocean Pines, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury.

Mr. Walker was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He had a quick wit and he found humor in most circumstances. His patriotism was beyond measure. Although he received many honors, the greatest honor to him was being able to serve his country. He served several tours in Vietnam.

While he was still able, he loved to sail the bay. He was very intelligent and loved working the most challenging crossword puzzles. His had a very magnetic personality, and he loved people.

He graduated in 1956 from Perry High School in Pittsburgh; in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Virginia Military Institute; in 1969 from Fighter Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, where he trained to be a fighter weapons instructor; in 1971 from Industrial College of Armed Forces; in 1972 with a master’s in foundations of education, psychology, from Troy State University in Montgomery, Ala.; and in 1977 from Naval War College in Newport, R.I. He received many honors, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and Meritorious Service Award.

Alan and Ruth “Cookie” Walker were married in 1990. They shared their families lovingly. Between them they have five children: Dawn Harris (née Walker) of Virginia Beach, Va., Craig Walker of Florida, Donald R. Griffin of South Carolina and Tracey Vernon and Vicki Sharp of Huntingtown, Md.; 10 grandchildren: Nicole Getridge, Joshua Walker, Kristin McCarthy, Donald R. Griffin II, Lindsey Vernon, Deanna Griffin, C.J. Vernon, Leah Sharp, Nicholas Sharp and Brady Sharp; and two great-grandchildren: Jenna Kuykendall and Emanuel Jones.