Rodney Eugene Walker

Rodney Eugene Walker, the son of Wilfred Paul and Estella Gertrud (McCrystal) Walker, was born June 24, 1935, in Sioux City. Rodney worked as a plumber and pipefitter for many local shops for 25 years. The shops included V & E Plumbing and Heating and Brookwood Plumbing and Heating. Rodney joined the Plumbers Steamfitters Union Local 33 in 1972 and remained a member until his death.

On July 27, 1988, Rodney was united in marriage with Chrystal Lucille Henning in Newton. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, bowling, softball, racing, hanging out with family and friends. Grandkids and great-grandkids were especially entertaining to Rodney. He loved taking his grandchildren tubing behind his speed boat. He loved life and enjoy it he did.

Rodney died Sunday, April 26, 2020, at his daughter’s home, surrounded by family. He was 84 years old. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; and his two sisters, Jerri and Jan.

Those left to honor Rodney’s memory include his wife, Chrystal; his son, Scott Walker (Darla Oskam); his daughters, Rhonda (Joe) Carmichael and Ginger (Jeff) La Kose; his stepson, Jeff (Kristin) Morrow; his grandchildren, Josh (Stacy) Walker, Josie (Mike) Schrad, Joel Hopkins, Stacey (Cody) Simbro and Doug (Jenny) Verwers; his step-grandchildren, Ryan (Liberty) Morrow and Adam (Krisondra) Morrow, Brandi Armstrong and Jeremy (Mindy) Carmichael; his great-grandchildren, Caroline Walker, Grant and Clark Schrad, Melanie and Meegan Verwers, Brock and Beau Simbro; his step-great-grandchildren, Mary Beth and Jack Armstrong, Reagan, Olivia and Harrison Carmichael; Darla’s family, Maddy (Ben) Naber and Josh (Ashley) Oskam; and Josh’s children, Preston, Tristan, Grayson and Presley; his brother, Chuck (Nancy) Walker; and several nieces and nephews.

A drive-by visitation will be from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Palo Alto Cemetery, 4968 Highway S74 S. in Newton. The family will be present, but please remain in your car as you drive by to pay your respects to Rodney and his family. Memorials may be designated to the Central Iowa Outdoors Without Boundaries or the Jasper County Animal Rescue League and may be left at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home. A public memorial service will be planned at a later date.