Robert Wesley Walker

“Wes” was born on February 17, 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri to Jane (Cunningham) Walker and Charles Richard Walker of Holden, Missouri at that time. On September 6, 2018, he shockingly passed away of a sudden cardiac event while working on his beloved computer in his home in Adel, Iowa. In 1979 Wes was adopted by Robert (Bob) Eugene Rutherford who married Jane in 1978. Wes was thrilled about the adoption but he wanted to keep the name his friends knew him by for 13 years so his wish was honored. He graduated from Ruskin High School in 1984 (the same year his brother Adam was born)! He received an I.T. certificate from Platte College and later attended Longview Community College. For a short time he did videography work. In 1996 he moved to Des Moines, Iowa for a job at Ruan Transportation. He lived in Iowa for the remaining years of his life. His passion for computers began very early in high school with his Commodore 64. From there grew the on-going passion for the most recent equipment, software…and gadgets. His entire professional life was technology driven working for a variety of companies as an employee or contractor. His dream of owning his own business came true with a partnership for snow-removal and lawn-mowing in Iowa. His dream of owning his own home also came true in Adel, Iowa. He was a Boy Scout for about 12 years and was far more concerned with enjoying the camping experiences than rank advancement or badges. His life-long motto was first take care of others. His own needs came second. He expressed care for every human being he ever met with at least a solid handshake and a warm smile...if not a hug. He loved every little thing about nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and riding his motorcycle. In addition gaming, playing all kinds of card and board games; following the Royals, Chiefs, University of Missouri and other college teams in Iowa were just a few of his other passions. After he moved to Iowa he played in a couple of pool leagues, played in tournaments and was a member of the American Poolplayers Association (APA). Through this sport he made many wonderful friends who became his Iowa “family”. A Celebration of Wes’s life was held for this special group (and work colleagues) at his favorite pool venue, The Rack. That night the decision was made by the owner to begin an annual “Most Improved Player Award” in honor of Wes. Special warm thanks from his family to his best friend Scott Yates for making this special celebration event happen. A memorial service will be held on October 26th, 2018 at the Lee’s Summit Christian Church, 800 NE Tudor Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 at 4:30 p.m. Following the service a Celebration of Wes’s Life will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Aspen Room at the Stanley Event Center, 308 SE 4th Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 with food, beverage, and sharing together our memories of Wes. Those continuing on in this life to work toward keeping Wes’s unconditional love for all alive are his parents, Jane and Bob Rutherford; his brother Adam, wife Amy, beloved nephew and niece (Berkeley, age 6 and Ayla, age 4) all of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; uncle Roger Rutherford, wife Rita, Osage Beach, MO; aunt, Judy Cunningham; uncle Milford Cunningham and aunt Kelly; cousin Claire Cunningham Fox and husband David; cousin Lauren Cunningham Morstad, husband Matt and their children Will, age 7 and Max, age 5. He also leaves behind many, many loving extended family members and friends. In lieu of flowers his family asks you consider making memorial contributions to: Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation, R. Wesley Walker (Rutherford) Memorial Fund, Stansberry Leadership Center, 301 NE Tudor Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 (www.lsedfoundation.com). Funds will go for the best in technology and education in a form yet to be determined. Check out the foundation website and while you are at it look up Summit Technology Academy (www.sta.lsr7.org). You’ll be amazed. Wes was. Our Wes was mostly known for being a very warm, very loving, compassionate man, with twinkling beautiful blue eyes…NO ONE hugged you like our big bear. Oh how he will be missed by all whose lives he touched.