D.H. Doak Walker

D.H. “Doak” Walker

Born March 22, 1935, at home, in Claiborne County, Tennessee, to parents Dexter and Grace Walker. His early years were spent working the family farm, producing tobacco, hogs and cattle for sale along with a huge garden to feed the family of 12. He proudly graduated Lake View U. At 18 he joined the Navy, serving 4 years, some of which were served in the South Pacific on the USS Missouri, the “Mighty Mo.” Guam held a special place in his heart for life, and he shared many stories of his adventures in service and on times of leave...even some near AWOL stories.

Upon entering reserve duty in the Navy, he met his future wife Coralie in Bremerton, WA, eventually marrying then returning to Tennessee to welcome his sweet baby girl Terrie, then back to Washington where they welcomed son Gary and settled in the Tri Cities. Together they made memories on the Columbia River fishing, boating and picnicking on her banks.

Doak had the spirit of an entrepreneur, owning The Rainier Tavern in Enumclaw, founding Evergreen Lawn and Tree in Richland, and opening the first seafood restaurant and bar in the Tri-Cities, The Shrimp Boat. He also was an exterminator, held various other positions, and then eventually retired from the City of Kennewick as Superintendent of Parks and Buildings. He had a huge passion for thoroughbred horse racing and made many dear friends in this pursuit. He and his dearest friend Ken Williams had one outstanding filly, Gallant Actress, who was small but fierce. They made endless memories around the Washington and Oregon racing circuit, later partnering with Pam and Neal Christopherson, Ken and Pat Paulson, forging many other successful partnerships and valued friendships along the way.

In the mid ‘90’s he met and married his ‘blue eyed angel’, Melodie, and through this union he gained another whole family. They enjoyed 30 years of marriage, cross-country trips in their motorhome, horse racing, more horse racing, their home and their adventures. He loved the gatherings of friends and family for holidays and the everyday gatherings too.

He had a passion for fast cars with suicide doors, the bigger the better. Lincoln, Cadillac, Jack Daniels, Johnny Cash and moonshine were some of his favorite names. He loved a good road trip (unless it was to California), traveling across the states to visit ‘home’ while blasting ol’ country music, and enjoying every single mile. His most treasured joy of all was his family, and he loved to take them exploring on their visits here, just seeing ‘all that land’. “Go Vols!”

Doak was preceded in death by his parents Dexter and Grace, brothers J.L. (Eula) and Grover, sisters Priscilla and Lillis, brother-in-law Carl, best friend Ken Wiliams, and Terrie and Gary’s mother Coralie. He is survived by his wife Mel, siblings Hollis, Vandilla, Glen (Aretta), Phyllis (Ronel), Marlene (Gary), and Anne. He also leaves a large legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren including children Terrie (Barry) and Gary, bonus kids Hikao and Trena, grandchildren Brian (Karina), Kellie, Nathan, Jennifer (Josey), Jeremiah, Kaylen, Courtney (Jordan), Cheyanne (Josh), Dondi (Latia), Doreen (Kile), Chas, Angelo (Tabitha), and Jake, and soon to be 16 great-grandchildren (Kyle, Mikayla, Aliyah, Hayden, Alissa, Isaiah, Kori, Jazmine, Journey, Boone, Alex, Harley, Liam, Hunter, Addie, and baby boy on the way). A large number of nieces, nephews, cousins and special aunts, Anna Lee and Christine, also survive him.

Doak wasn’t one to have favorites, but those of you who were know who you are. His sense of humor, tough shell with the soft heart, life lessons and generosity will never be forgotten. He passed away in the comfort of his home, held in the love of his family on March 12, 2024. He knew where he was going, and even though it was so hard to leave his loved ones, he was at peace with the timing.

Celebration of Life will be Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 11:00am at Mueller’s Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union St. Kennewick, WA 99338.

If you are considering flowers, thank you, and please also consider instead donating to your favorite charity or one of his, St. Jude's or to your favorite 4-H or FFA Chapter.