Robert M. Walker 1927-2025

Born on March 25, 1927, in Boardman, Bob was the son of the late John and Irene (McLaughlin) Walker. Known affectionately by his family and friends as “Bob” or “Mack,” he lived a life defined by faith, service, leadership and a deep commitment to his community. He was a member of Old North Church in Canfield. He was also an active member of the YMCA, which included being on the Spiritual Life Committee.

Bob graduated from Boardman High School in 1945, where he played in the band and was a standout football player. His excellence on the field earned him First Team All Tri-County Tackle honors, and he was later inducted into the Boardman High School Hall of Fame in 1994. He went on to attend Mount Union College and graduated from Youngstown College in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in history.

During World War II, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer stationed in Germany.

Bob dedicated his professional life to serving others. He began his career as a juvenile probation officer in Mahoning County before becoming a U.S. probation officer with the U.S. District Courts, where he served with distinction for more than 27 years.

Bob was a towering figure in the world of sports officiating. He began officiating football and basketball games in 1952 across Northeast Ohio, eventually focusing solely on football. Over his storied career, he officiated in the Ohio Athletic Conference, Mid-Ohio Collegiate Conference, Mid-American Conference, Big Ten, and even the United States Football League (USFL). He was the first commissioner of the Steel Valley Conference and the Youngstown City Series Schools. From 1984 to 1987, he served as NCAA Liaison for CBS Sports and later worked as a technical advisor and supervisor of officials for the Big Ten Conference. Bob was an officiating assistant and college scout for the NFL.

His remarkable resume includes officiating landmark games such as the first nationally televised NCAA night game, the Rose Bowl, the Orange Bowl, the Tangerine Bowl and multiple championship events, including the first NAIA National Championship and USFL playoffs. He was inducted into the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame in 1992.

Bob is survived by his three children, Debra A. (James) Pearson of St. Paul, Minnesota, Robert M. (Teresa) Walker Jr. of Winter Haven, Florida, and Kim R. (Susan) Walker of St. Paul, Minnesota. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Mona R. (Roberts) Walker, whom he married on March 11, 1950; two brothers, John “Bill” Walker and David Walker; and three sisters, Willamine Lutz-Mariotti, Jean Shaner and Mary Elizabeth Sheppard.

Family and friends may call 10 to 11:15 a.m. Thursday, July 10, at Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield, OH 44406. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Old North Church in Bob’s memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences.

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