David J. Walker

Saco

David Joseph Walker, 75, of Saco, passed away late in the evening on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at his home.

He was born in Portland, Maine on September 12, 1948, a son of Joseph and Arlene (Wadsworth) Walker. He grew up first on Munjoy Hill, and later in Arundel where he attended Mildred L. Day School.  His first summer job was being an attendant for the amusement rides in Old Orchard Beach.  David would ride his bike nearly 12 miles each way, rain or shine, to earn his spending money.  David graduated from Biddeford High School, class of 1967.

Shortly after high school he was drafted into the United States Army, and bravely served his country during the Vietnam War.  He was honorably discharged in 1972 reaching the rank of SP4.  After returning from Vietnam, David met the love of his life, Louise Letellier, at the Sandbar in Old Orchard Beach.  The couple married on November 28, 1975. Together they raised two wonderful children; Matthew and Elizabeth.

David loved being a truck driver.  He first worked for Carl Subler Trucking as a long-haul driver, spending many days of the week far from home.  Later, he drove several years for Woodstructures Inc. making roof truss and engineered lumber deliveries throughout New England.  It was during his employment at Woodstructures that David received the achievement award for One Million Safe Driving Miles.  The company was sold two years prior to his planned retirement, so David went to work for the Saco School System as a bus driver.

David belonged to the American Legion, Post 96 in Saco.  Being passionate about this organization and of this particular post, David rose to the level of Commander.

When David wasn't working you could find him fishing from his boat on the Saco River.  His children have many wonderful memories of summer days spent on the Saco.  He enjoyed hunting with his brother-in-law Don, and he loved taking his motorcycle out for a spin.

David had a very humorous personality, and he loved to make people laugh.  Being quite a jokester he often looked for opportunities to catch people off guard with an unexpected comment.

David was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Walker and Arlene Wadsworth; by his brother, Joseph Whelan; and by his sister, Susan Martindale.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Walker of 48 years; by his son, Matthew Walker; by his daughter, Elizabeth Ford and husband Nathan; and by his two grandchildren, Christopher and Emily.  David is also survived by his brother, Dennis Walker and wife Vicky; by his sister, Dorothy Brown and husband Barney; as well as by several nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service with military honors will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Southern Maine Veteran's Cemetery in Springvale.