Richard Alvey Myers-Walls, 72, of North Manchester, IN passed away at Timbercrest Senior Living Community on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Richard was born in Logansport, IN on November 3, 1950 to the late Richard and Monica (Bruck) Walls. He attended St. Bridget Catholic School through 8th grade and Logansport High School where he graduated in 1968.
After high school Richard spent one year attending Ray Vogue Art School in Chicago. He then took time to travel in the US and to the Caribbean before returning home to Logansport to work in factories and with building contractors. Throughout this time he continued his education through correspondence courses in photography.
Richard moved to North Manchester, IN in 1974 to explore new employment opportunities and live near friends. This is where he met Judy Myers. They struck up a relationship before Judy was accepted to graduate school at Purdue University. Richard had a station wagon while Judy had only a VW bug, so he offered to help Judy move to Lafayette. A couple days later, Judy heard a knock on her door at her new apartment. She opened the door to discover Richard had ridden his bicycle 80 miles to see her. The shock caused her to close the door on him, but she opened it again right away, and he basically never left. They were married two years later on September 11, 1977.
Richard’s education and love of photography led to a job with The Exponent, Purdue’s student newspaper. After 18 months there, he was hired by Purdue’s Center for Instructional Services as a University Photographer, a position he held for more than 32 years. He photographed classrooms, award presentations, and laboratories. He took pictures wearing nose clips on hog farms, standing on ladders, and out of airplanes. Richard was especially drawn to and excelled in sports photography and his responsibilities involved shooting everything from diving to wrestling to volleyball and nearly every home Purdue football and basketball game. He periodically followed the teams to the NCAA tournament and bowl games.
Richard and Judy became parents in 1981. This opened a new chapter of taking family photos while sharing his love of camping, hiking, biking, reading, and playing games. Richard shared many parenting responsibilities including an alternating cooking schedule with Judy. The Myers-Walls family also enjoyed taking many trips together throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. After they both retired from Purdue, Richard and Judy built a home along the Eel River in North Manchester and in 2014 moved back to the town where they met.
Richard was primarily an observer. He was very even-tempered with a dry and subtle sense of humor. He was quiet but spoke loudly through the pictures he shot that will continue to speak long after he is gone.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Myers-Walls, North Manchester; children Amanda Myers-Walls, Long Island City, NY and Aaron Walls (Danielle Tropsa Walls), Saugerties, NY; sister Judy (Walls) Dailey, Fullerton, CA and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his sister Nancy (Walls) Gordon and his parents.
A memorial service celebrating Richard’s life is planned for November 25, 2023 at 3pm at the Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana. The family will receive friends at the conclusion of the memorial service.
For those unable to attend, the service will be available on the church website: Manchester Church of the Brethren – Continuing the work of Jesus, peacefully, simply, together. (manchestercob.net)
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to one of the following organizations: Alzheimer’s Disease Association, Alzheimer’s Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease or Nature Conservancy, Limited-Time Matching Fund | The Nature Conservancy.
The family Richard Myers-Walls has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com