Melvin R. Walker, 78, of Annawan, died Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at his home. Funeral services celebrating his life were held Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Annawan Community United Methodist Church. The Revs. Dan Wright and Terry Lancaster officiated. Burial was in Annawan Cemetery, where military rites were accorded by the Mineral VFW Post. Visitation was held Monday, Feb. 15, at Vandemore Funeral Home, Atkinson. Memorials may be made to the Melvin Walker Memorial Fund, to be distributed among several local organizations.
He was born Nov. 27, 1931, in Moline, the son of Melvin and Lenora (Mallory) Walker. He was a graduate of United Township High School, East Moline. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. He married Jeanne Decker Oct. 9, 1955, in Annawan. He farmed in rural Mineral for 46 years, retiring in 1993 when he moved to Annawan. He also drove a school bus for Annawan Community School District for 30 years. He was a member of Annawan Community United Methodist Church, Mineral VFW Post, Annawan American Legion and the Kewanee/Annawan Bowling Association. He enjoyed bowling, was an avid Annawan Braves fan, playing fast pitch softball and especially attending his grandchildren’s events.
Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; a daughter, Robbin Eastman of Davenport, Iowa; two sons and spouses, Russell and Diane Walker of Annawan and Randy and Katie Walker of Douglas, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Rachelle, Corey, Rachel, Heath and Sean; two great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Amelia; three brothers, Ronald Walker of Dewitt, Iowa, Charles Walker of Glendale, Ariz. and Paul Walker of Hampton. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Annawan, Ill. —
