Gales, OSU football standout Barry Walker dies
May 11, 2013 |
Written by
Vince Nairn
The Eagle-Gazette Staff
LANCASTER ? Former Lancaster High School standout and Ohio State University football player Barry Walker died Friday morning of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 49.
Walker died about 2:15 a.m. Friday, friend Phil Reese said. Reese has been organizing a fundraiser for Walker since finding out Walker was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
?It?s a very hard time right now,? Reese said. ?We had to expect it. Pancreatic cancer is a terminal (illness). But nothing can prepare you for the pain of the loss.?
Walker graduated Lancaster in 1982 after rushing for 1,129 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior. He was an All-Ohioan in football, All-American in track as a shot putter and was a running back from 1983-86 at OSU, where injuries hampered his career.
Walker started 11 games in 1983 but missed various games throughout his career. He lived in Pickerington with his wife, Della, and two daughters. Walker was active in Fairfield County and served as chairman of the 2005 United Way fundraising campaign.
?It?s one of those sad days to be a Gale,? said Jack Greathouse, principal of Lancaster High School. ?Our hearts are heavy. He truly was one of our greats in many ways. His legacy will live on forever in these hallways.
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