BELLVILLE: Rodney Russell “Top” Walker, age 86, life-long Bellville
resident, passed away peacefully at home December 13, 2021.
He was born July 14, 1935 in Bellville to the late Russell L. and
Beatrice J. (Cairns) Walker and attended the old Bellville School.
As a young adult, he enjoyed spending time with friends in Butler
where he encountered a pretty redhead girl. After inquiring, he discovered
that the name of his mystery girl was Martha Teeter and promptly asked
her for a date. They married a year and a half later on October 1, 1955,
and Top spent 66 wonderful years with his sweetheart.
Hardworking, Top worked for many area farmers in his teen and early
adulthood, including Harvey Hamilton’s turkey farm. He also worked for
several area manufacturing companies. Remaining dedicated to Harvey,
Top worked for him on and off, whenever they needed and extra hand on
the farm, or when work was sparse for Top. He drove a semi-truck for over
40 years for several different companies and also for Shiloh Corp.
Mansfield for over 30 years where he retired.
Top joined the Bellville Volunteer Fire Department, now known as the
Jefferson Township-Bellville Volunteer Fire Department, in 1956. Shortly
after their name change, Top was appointed Chief and took over June 1,
1960 at the age of 24. Top was the youngest fireman to ever be appointed
chief in the state of Ohio. He remained an active member 53 years, 48 1/2
of which as chief.
He was always aware that the fireman worked for the people of
Jefferson Township and that their tax dollars provided for the station. Top,
along with the leaders of the station, felt that the stations relationship with
the community was of utmost importance and offered help and support
whenever possible. Top assured that the men and women of the station
were always poised to help in times of disaster. The camaraderie and
family atmosphere of the station was supported with ice cream socials,
game time, Halloween parties, and Sunday doughnuts. Among Tops priorities were managing the budget and making sure his crew had the best equipment and training to perform their job safely.
Top’s community involvement was far reaching. He was a member of
the Pleasant Grove Church, Richland County Firefighters Association, Ohio
State Firefighters Association, Northwestern Ohio Volunteers, Richland
County Chief Association, and the Ohio State Chief Association. He also
served on the Emergency Medical Advisory Board, Arson Task Force,
Homeland Security Board, State Certified Fire Safety Inspector, and a
Home Safety Inspector. He kept current attending the Bowling Green
Volunteer Fire Chief’s Symposium each year to learn new law and changes
in fire service.
He was proud of many awards and accolades for his service to the
community, county and state. He particularly cherished the Ohio Mason
Lodge Community Service Award, especially since he was the first non-
member to receive the honor.
During his tenure he saw many changes to the original station from
the original building, to the building at 15 Main Street, and later the newest
station south of town. Top was there to see the first ambulance to serve as
rescue, solidifying the necessity of his crew. He had vision for a building
and crew that would serve the community into the future, and has served
as his and his officer’s mark on the valley.
He is survived by his wife Martha Walker, four daughters Celeste
Mabry (Tim Chapman), Colleen & Tom Stein, Carla & JC Flynn, Carman & Bill Ute; 11 grandchildren Aubrey (Sedrick)Porter, Caleb (Kaity)Mabry,
Celeiss Mabry, Ryan (Kelly) Mowry, Nicholas (Brande)Mowry, Andrea
(Evan) Schell, Jacob (Bobbi) Flynn, Zebulon (Virginia) Ute, Isaac (Ashton)
Ute, Bradley Ute, and Gabriel Ute; 13 great grandchildren; siblings Dana
Robinson, Ida Mae Ocheltree, Ronald “Butch” Walker, Maurine Walters,
and William “Bill” Walker.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his only son
Brent Russell Walker in 2017, brother Charles “Jack” Walker, sisters
Norma Jean Wolfgang, Mary Alice Snavely, and Lois Ann Little Gaddis.
Friends may call Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 1-5 pm in the
Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where the funeral service honoring Rodney
Russell “Top” Walker will be held Monday at 11 am. Burial will follow in
Zion Four Corners Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Jefferson Township-Bellville
Fire Department or Pleasant Grove Church.
Visit snyderfuenralhomes.com to watch Top’s tribute video.
