Richard Walke, Sr. of Crawfordsville passed away on Monday, his 74 ^th birthday, at Franciscan Health.

Mr. Walke was a teacher at North Montgomery for over 30 years, where he also served as assistant athletic director and coached several sports over the years.  He enjoyed golf, bowling, following sports in general, and was a huge supporter of North Montgomery Athletics, even after he retired.  He was a member of the Rocky Ridge men's league and Sons of the American Legion.

Born April 4, 1948 in Batesville, Indiana, he was the son of Ralph J. Walke and Velma Prakel Walke.  He graduated from Batesville High School and earned a Bachelor's degree from Ball State, after which he earned a Master's degree from Indiana State.

Surviving family includes: two sons, Richard (Traci) Walke, Jr. of Waynetown, Ryan (Amy) Walke of Darlington; sister, Mary Jo Mahle; brother, Charles (Janet) Walke; sister, Patti Walke; eight grandchildren, Zachary (Logan) Walke, Makayla Walke, Makenzie Walke, Allyson Anderson, Erica (Steve Miller) Graphman, Allysa (Mitchell) Alexander, Alizabeth Anderson, Lucas Graphman; one great-granddaughter, Eleanor Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Michael Walke, nephew, Shawn, and brother-in-law, Jim Mahle.

A gathering to celebrate the life of Dick Walke will be held at Rocky Ridge Golf Club on April 23 ^rd from 4 to 7 PM.  The club is located just south of Darlington at 3965 North County Road 625 East. Cremation arrangements were made through Burkhart Funeral Home.