Rodney Ross Walker

Rodney Ross Walker passed away April 30, 2022, at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Rod was born November 18, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Abraham and Florence (Petersen) Walker.

Rod graduated from Granite High School in 1962. After graduation, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Germany. He then went on to serve as a Military Policeman for the United States Army stationed in Germany. He served his country honorably and was discharged in 1972.

With his first marriage, Rod was blessed with four children, Aimee, Todd, Kjerstin, and Kolby. He loved them and was proud of them.

After residing in Ripon, California for many years, Rod moved back to his home, Salt Lake City.

He reconnected with his lifelong friend, Carleen Headlund–who was the love of his life. They went on to marry in 1986. He said of their love, “It must have been important in the development of the universe that our lives be joined together. It was meant to be.” They were truly soulmates.

With their marriage, Rod took on Carleen’s two daughters, Missy and Becca, as his own. Then later becoming the most beloved Grampy to their children. Rod never missed a recital, softball game, gymnastics meet, or graduation.

Rod had a successful career as a police officer for the Federal Reserve Bank. He served them for 24 years until his retirement in 2012. He took so much pride in his work and loved how it helped him collect rare coins and give the newest quarters to his grandchildren. After his retirement from Federal Reserve Bank, Rod became a crossing guard for North Salt Lake City. He loved being around all the children and would often bring them treats as they were coming home from school.

Rod had many passions including genealogy, golfing, camping, film, literature–especially Hemingway, writing poetry, and music–both listening and playing.

Rodley Dodley, our sweet gentle giant. To know Rod was to love him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Myrna, and his son, Todd. He is survived by his wife Carleen, his daughters, Aimee and Kjerstin, his son Kolby, his adopted daughters, Missy and Becca, and his beloved grandkids, Danielle, Gavin, Ayden, Bentley, Ireland, Austin, Zoey, Lucy, Maxwell, Mia, Lily, Morgan, Katie, Elliott and Taegan.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022, at the Orchard Stake Center 3599 South Orchard Drive, North Salt Lake, Utah.  A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah and Friday morning from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment- Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.