Daniel Marion Walker

Daniel Marion "Hillbilly" Walker, 78, of Charlotte, passed away following a lengthy illness in Lombard, Illinois, where he had moved to live with his daughter, Tina.

Daniel was born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1947, the son of Jessie "Junior" Walker and Marilyn (Derek) Withrow. He earned the nickname "Hillbilly" from his deep roots in the ridges and hollers of West Virginia-roots he carried with pride throughout his life.

In 1963, Daniel moved to Michigan with his family and settled in Charlotte. He worked for many years at the Oldsmobile plants in Lansing.

Daniel retired in 1988 and returned to his homestead in a holler near Charleston, West Virginia, where he lived for many years. Later, he returned to Charlotte to live with his son, Steve. As winters grew more challenging, Daniel moved to McAllen, Texas, where he lived until Hurricane Hanna destroyed his home. His son Steve and daughter Tina traveled to McAllen to bring Daniel to Lombard, Illinois, where he lived with Tina until his passing.

To those meeting him for the first time, Daniel often appeared to be the stereotypical "tough biker"-long hair, rugged features, and a weathered presence. And truth be told, he was tough. He lived a hard-working life and carried a quiet strength shaped by perseverance, loyalty, and responsibility. But that toughness was never mean-spirited. Beneath it was a deeply kind man, quick to help anyone in need and fiercely protective of the people he loved. Many who were initially unsure soon came to count him as a trusted friend.

One favorite family story comes from a visit to his daughter's home, where Daniel stayed to watch his grandchildren. Some neighbors were uncertain about the "rough-looking guy" who had arrived-but within days, Daniel had organized a bicycle parade for his grandchildren and their friends, filling the neighborhood with laughter. It was classic Hillbilly: he arrived looking tough and left behind joy and connection.

Daniel truly was a biker at heart. He was a long-time member of the Family Motorcycle Club based in the Lansing area. When he wasn't riding, he was often out and about, socializing and spending time with friends. His travels became part of family legend, including a memorable trip to Maine, where he planned to return to Charlotte with 200 lobsters to sell through his favorite hangout, C.B.'s. True to his generous nature, his excitement got the better of him, and he ended up giving most of them away instead.

Above all, Daniel found his greatest happiness surrounded by family-especially his grandchildren. He was often found with children nearby, both family and friends alike, and through his steady presence, humor, and generosity, he became "Dad" to many people of all ages.

Daniel was married to Rose (Shidler) Bryde, divorced in 1984, with whom he shared an important chapter of his life and family.

Daniel is survived by his sons, Steve (Amy) Allarding, Steve (Elizabeth) Walker, and Danny Walker; daughter, Tina (Erik) Jensen; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brothers, Terry Withrow and Rick Withrow; sisters, Kelly (Walker) Ellman, and Karen (Walker) Small; and stepsister, Janice Lee Withrow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse "Junior" Walker and Marilyn (Derek) Withrow; stepfather, Jewel Withrow; stepmother, Lorene Walker; brother, Ken Withrow; and his beloved friend Angie "Ziggy" Ferguson, whom he cherished as a daughter.

Funeral services will be held for Daniel on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with the family receiving guests for visitation from Noon to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo Township. Immediately following interment, there will be a luncheon at American Legion in Charlotte.

Later in the year, close family will gather to celebrate Daniel's life with a summer gathering at the family pond in Eaton Rapids. Earlier in May an all-welcomed motorcycle ride in his honor that will start and end at CB's Bar.

Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Daniel's Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.