Rev. William P. "Bill" Walker

Rev. William "Bill" P. Walker
Reverend William "Bill" Paul Walker, 97, of Hanover, PA, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Homewood at Plum Creek
Born June 2, 1928, in York, PA, Bill was the son of the late Paul and Mary (Miller) Walker. He shared 68 loving years of marriage with his wife, Shirley F. (Mitchell) Walker, until her death on July 3, 2020. Their life together was rooted in faith, family, and deep devotion to one another.
Bill was a graduate of William Penn Senior High School of York, class of 1946, Albright College of Reading, class of 1950, and United Theological Seminary of Dayton, OH, class of 1954. He earned his Master of Divinity and served the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church for 41 years. His ministry took him to congregations in Avis, Millheim, McClure, Bloomsburg Good Shepherd, Quincy, Hanover Lohr's Memorial, and finally Mechanicsburg Hope Church, where he served until his retirement in 1991. While his calling was to the church, his heart extended far beyond the pulpit.
He had a lifelong love of camping and the beauty of the natural world. Whether surrounded by trees, sitting near a campfire, or simply taking in a quiet view, Bill found peace and inspiration in God's creation. He was also a wonderful storyteller-known for sharing meaningful, funny, and often memorable stories that drew people in and made them feel at home. His words had a way of lingering long after the telling.
Bill is survived by his three children: Dianne Drupp and her husband Robert of Hanover; Kathryn Doll and her husband Thomas, also of Hanover; and Paul D. Walker and his wife Annette of White Lake, Michigan. He is also survived by his sister, Gail Eigenbrode of Hanover; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife Shirley, Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Miriam Starr and Lois Walker.
Following cremation, a memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Chapel at Homewood at Plum Creek, 425 Westminster Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331, with Chaplain Jack Biondo officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service in the chapel. Private interment will be in Rest Haven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions in Bill's name to the Homewood at Plum Creek Benevolent Fund. Donations may be mailed to the address above or made online at homewoodlivingministries.com/foundation.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.WetzelFuneralHome.com.