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David Walker Obituary
Decatur
David Alan Walker of Decatur passed away Thursday, February 21, 2013 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Decatur on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from noon until 2 p.m. with a celebration of life service to follow, Dr. Rudy Glass officiating. His ashes will be interred at the FUMC Columbarium.
Mr. Walker was born on July 24, 1941 in Dixon, Illinois, to Rosemary and Wilson Walker. He received a B.S. in electrical engineering in 1964 before moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to work for Collins Radio. In 1965, he married Jean A. Hayward of Florence, Wisconsin. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and proudly served his country for 20 years, retiring in 1986 a Senior Master Sergeant in Flight Simulation. He continued to work for military contractors in systems engineering until his retirement from Raytheon Missile Systems in 2002 in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
He will be remembered for his love of God, family, country, and for his selfless service to the many communities where he lived.
He is survived by his wife, Jean, son, David (Deborah), daughter, Wendy Duffey (Jason), and grandsons, John Duffey and David C. Walker, all of Decatur. He is also survived by his sisters, Joyce Smith (Gordon) of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, and Jeanne Cobb of Bethany, West Virginia; brothers, Richard Walker of Decatur and John Walker of Dixon, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Decatur or charity of choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Decatur Daily.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Walker
Jane Rippy
March 3, 2013
My love and prayers are with you all. David was a very special first cousin. My only regret is that we didn't get to see each other more often. We lived long distances apart but I such find memories of childhood times at our grandparents, family reunion, and Wrightsville beach ! I'm so thankful we could talk and email over recent years. I smile when I think of all our family members he's having a glorious reunion with now! And we' ll all share in that reunion one day- for eternity!im blessed to be a part of David's family. God bless you all. I love you. Missy
March 2, 2013
Family in Indiana remember David as a good man, optimistic, with an energy about approaching life.
Hoping the wonderful and even quietly calm memories are equal to being greater than the sorrow, now, and in days ahead.
Thinking of you all.
love,
Franklin Miller Baum
Megan Smaha
February 27, 2013
Uncle David will be missed. I remember visiting his family when we were young in Salt Lake City. It must have been 120 degrees outside, but that didn't stop the two families from venturing out to see the sights in Uncle Dave's station wagon. He always kept in touch with Mom and our family and remained a steadfast patriarch of the Walker clan. He was always there to lend a hand, provide love and care to his whole family. You will truly be missed Uncle David and I love you
Cherri Scott
February 27, 2013
So sad to hear of the passing of our neighbor! Thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family!
kasi Serrano (walker)
February 27, 2013
Uncle Dave was an amazing person. Always stayed positive and was so very supportive of any decisions I was making. I'm so glad we got the chance to see him and other family in October. Very happy he got to meet my husband Bert and approved of him. He will always be in our memories and hearts.
Suzy Dixon Fuller
February 27, 2013
We are sorry for this loss in your family - heaven's gain. He was a man who left his foot prints on his family's and community's heart. May we learn from his example.
Tami & Ken Maloney
February 27, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Walkers and Duffeys. May God bless you with peace and fill your heart with great memories. He's not gone, just gone ahead - you will be together again.
Charles & Kathy Dixon
February 26, 2013
So sorry to see you go Mr Walker. You will be missed more than you could have known. I am very happy for your grandkids to have gotten to have such special time with you. Blessings on you sir and blessings on your family.
Vic Eichler
February 26, 2013
Fondly remembering the days when we, as neighbors and classmates, spent time together in our youth! Sending sincere condolences to Jean and all of David's family.
February 26, 2013
We hold you all in our prayers. We love you.
Joan, Keith, Jenni Royer Windsor, NY
Ann Bastian White
February 25, 2013
I want to extend my sympathy to Jean and all the family. I cherish the fond childhood memories of neighborhood and school fun with David.
February 25, 2013
From the DHS class of 1959. Our sympathies.
February 25, 2013
God send you on your way my good friend.
Janet Rosbrook Eckert
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