Walker, Grover M. (1917-2008)

WALKER, HATFIELD, JOHNSON, NELSON, SMITH, WILLIS, WATKINS, BARQUIST

Posted By: Colleen Ossman (email)
Date: 7/11/2008 at 19:20:43

(Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA, 11 Jul 2008)

Grover M. Walker, 90, of Jewell, IA, died July 9, 2008 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, IA. Services will be held Sunday, July 13 at 1 P.M. at the United Church of Christ in Jewell followed by burial with military honors at Evergreen Cemetery in Jewell.

Grover was born August 24, 1917 in Peterson, IA to Earl and Berneice (Hatfield) Walker. Grover graduated from Jewell High School in 1934 and later attended Simpson College where he played basketball and football. He married Florence Johnson on March 9, 1941 in Jewell, a union that lasted for over 67 years. He was a self-employed electrician for many years and later was maintenance supervisor at South Hamilton Community Schools from 1968 until his retirement in 1982. Grover served his country during WWII from 1942 until 1945. This time period was spent in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Beale in the South Pacific. He was very proud of his military service and faithfully attended many annual ship reunions.

Grover was a life long member of the United Church of Christ. He was active in his community serving on the city council, city fire department, and the American Legion. He also served on the Hamilton County Veterans Affairs Commission for 61 years. Throughout the years, he was an enthusiastic follower and supporter of South Hamilton athletics. He was also an avid bowler and fisherman.

Grover was one of four children and is survived by two sisters, Virginia Nelson of Manchester and Jeanne Smith of Marshalltown. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Walker, and a son, Mark. He is survived by a loving immediate family: his wife Florence, son Michael (Esther) Walker of San Diego, CA, son Mickey (Joan) Walker of Jewell, daughter Mary Beth (Gene) Willis of Jewell, and daughter-in-law Joalyn Walker of Las Vegas, NV. Grandchildren include: Oscar Walker, Monica (Tim) Watkins, Kirk Walker, Kara (Brandon) Barquist, and Jason Willis. Great-granddaughter is Reagan Watkins.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Becker Funeral Home. Visitation at the funeral home will be 3-5 P.M. on Saturday, July 12. Memorial contributions in Grover's name may be made to Hamilton Hospital and Israel Family Hospice House.

Hamilton Obituaries maintained by Lynn McCleary.
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