PEORIA, Ill. – Dr. Walker D. Goad, age 69, of Peoria, Ill., passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013 at 4 a.m. at Toulon Healthcare.
He was born Nov. 13, 1943 in Courtland, to James Otis and Doris (Felts) Goad. He married Mary Gray on May 26, 1977. She survives, along with one son, Brad Goad of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter, Gwen Schuster of Milwaukee, Wis., and one brother, Hayes B. Goad of Pulaski.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He graduated from Virginia Tech as a four-year cadet. He was commissioned into the Army and served in the Medical Corp in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged and attended Medical College of Virginia, earning his M.D. He became a board certified E.R. physician and spent three decades as an E.R. doctor at Proctor Hospital in Peoria before retiring in 2005.
Dr. Goad was a private man, displaying humility and modesty. He was capable of strong opinion and reserve, but to those he let in and cared for, he was a man of heart and compassion. From those he helped, he sought no recognition. To his family, he was a beacon and guide to right and wrong, responsibility and accountability. He was not perfect, but he was loved and will be missed dearly.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no public services at this time. Schmidt-Haller Cremation and Burial Services in Peoria are in charge of arrangements.
Most Commented