Robert "Bob" Walkington

Robert “Bob” Walkington, 82, of Sedalia, MO passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Sylvia Thompson Residence Center. He was born on April 10, 1940, in Marshall, MO, a son of Louis Millard and Anna Marie (Fitzgerald) Walkington.

Bob grew up in Marshall and attended Benton Grade School, graduating from Marshall High school in 1958. Apprenticed by his father, he was known and respected for his welding and fabrication skills. He moved to Sedalia in 1958 and worked as a welder for Jarold Welch Welding and Engineering for six years; a welder/fitter for W&M Welding for several years before joining Cooke Sales and Service as a mechanic/welder. He obtained a vocational welding teaching certificate from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1970, then set up a comprehensive welding program and taught the class at the Warrensburg Area Vocational Technical School from 1970-1975. After working at Peabody Coal Company in Missouri and Illinois, he worked at Standard Haven of Kansas City with his brother, Bill which took him to numerous foreign countries including the UK and Australia. Tired of being away from home, he returned to W&M Welding as a welder/fabricator and also worked independently. He was certified at Hobart Technical Center, Troy, Ohio to work high-pressure pipe.

Bob enjoyed fishing with his sons, working on old cars, attending car shows in his ’57 Chevy, barbequing at family outings, square dancing and entertaining his grandkids. He was Mayor of Green Ridge, MO, secretary of the School Board and member of Katy Park Baptist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Marty Walkington and five children, Robert (Marla) Risner of Kansas City, MO, Gay (Mark) Otten, Gina (Mike) Staus, Shane (Kathy) Walkington all of Sedalia, Kevin (LaVera) Tunis of Lyman, SC; brother, Bill Walkington; nephew, Lee (Ginny) Walkington of Peculiar, MO; fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by, a sister, Mary Ann Walkington; a son, Robert Michael Walkington; a grand-daughter, Lydia Otten and great-grandson, Myles Staus.

The family expresses special thanks to the staff of Sylvia Thompson, Crossroads Hospice and to Dr. Meredith Norfleet for their professional care of Bob.

A Memorial Service under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia will be held on June 28, 2022. Visitation at 6:00 PM, service following at 7:00 PM. A private burial will be held at a later date at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery, Smithton, MO.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.