Roger H. Walker

Roger H. Walker, 67, died peacefully on Saturday, December 22, 2018. Born September 11, 1951 in Decatur, Il.to W.A. (Bill) and Wanda Walker. He graduated from Wentzville Holt High School in Missouri in 1969 where he was a standout football player and wrestler. He was awarded an athletic scholarship in wrestling to the University of Missouri. At Missouri he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil and Chemical Engineering. He was offered an engineering position with Amoco Production Company in Chicago and quickly rose through the ranks into senior management. He moved to Oklahoma in the 80’s when he was offered a senior management position with Ralston Purina in Pryor. In 1982 he received certification as a Professional Engineer from the National Society of Professional Engineers. In 1998, Roger founded Citadel Technologies in Tulsa. Citadel became a classic American entrepreneurial success story. Roger used his engineering background and creativity to invent a carbon composite product that provided refineries, nuclear power plants and other pipeline companies a repair solution, that today, is used in over 60 countries spanning six continents. He is a globally known, recognized leader and expert, in the pipeline composite industry. He was most proud of the employees that worked hard to build his company. Roger employed a diverse global workforce of many races, creeds and genders. Under Roger’s leadership, Citadel Technologies became a model for diversity and inclusion. His commitment to diversity was further supported by his work on the Board of Directors of the United Nations Association of Eastern Oklahoma. Regardless of education level, job title or certification, he treated all employees with dignity and respect. Many of these same dedicated employees were at his hospital bedside in the last hours of his life. Roger was a devoted fan and supporter of the sport of wrestling. He was a corporate sponsor for the Missouri Tigers Wrestling program, attended many of their duals and over 25 NCAA Wrestling Tournaments. In Tulsa, he attended Cascia Hall duals and practices and was frequently spotted at large youth tournaments like Tulsa Nationals. Roger loved Tulsa and supported the Tulsa Community. He was a longtime member of Oaks Country Club and enjoyed hosting his family, business associates, and employees there. He donated his time and financial resources to many nonprofits including the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. He was an avid runner and cyclist, and supported many local running and cycling events as a participant and volunteer. He loved golf and was a member of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, and played many of the historic British Open golf courses including St. Andrews and Turnberry. In 2009 in his life would change forever. He met Yenny Pulgarin, who was working at the Colombian Trade Office at the Colombian Embassy in Mexico City. They later married, and on July 12, 2012 their beautiful daughter Savannah was born. Savannah was the light of his life. “Papi” was always there to encourage and support Savanah in her many activities. They shared the love of reading together, and he loved introducing her to many cultures and experiences. This precious time together will forever shape her future. While a great business man, engineer and fan of wrestling, anyone who knew Roger also knew that his true passion and pride were his wife, Yenny, and daughter, Savannah. They enjoyed traveling together to many different countries around the world. Yenny and Roger built a second home in Colombia to live in while visiting friends and family there. He is best remembered as a compassionate, loving and kind man who was a great leader of people. May his legacy be that his love and passion, for life and people, dwell in all of us as we continue on this earth. Roger is survived by his wife, Yenny, daughter, Savannah of Tulsa, sister-in-law, Sue Walker of Kansas City, MO, niece, Cheryl Wood of Leavenworth, KS, nephew, Scott Walker of Chandler, AZ, 2 great-nephews, 1 great-niece, 1 great-great nephew and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.A. (Bill) & Wanda Walker, brother, Al Walker and a son, Ryan Walker. Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151

Roger H. Walker

September 11, 1951 - December 22, 2018