Obituary of Harold Lee Walker

Harold L. Walker, 91, of Carlinville, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Carlinville Area Hospital in Carlinville, IL. Harold was born December 24, 1933, in Decatur, IL, a son of Travis and Blanche (Cloney) Walker. He married Betty Ryder, on April 13, 1952 in Decatur, IL. She passed on December 14, 2016. At about age 15, Harold began learning how to be a butcher from a local grocer in Decatur. It was this trade that brought him to Carlinville. He served this community working at A&P, Larry's Supervalue, IGA, and Billy's Bi-rite and retired after 50 years in this profession. Harold then worked for the City of Carlinville on the Ambulance Service and then transferred later to the Water Plant before retiring. He served as tax assessor for Carlinville Township for 48 years also. He had a local business with his son called Harold Walker & Son where they did construction. When younger Harold was a roller skating champion winning many competitions for dance and skating. Harold and Betty met at the skating rink and made history! Harold and Betty had many hobbies together, they did furniture upholstery for many years. They also loved camping going many places with their kids while they were growing up. Harold & Betty loved entertaining and everyone was always welcome at their home and at their table. Later they still enjoyed traveling and sightseeing, Harold loved teaching EMT classes and trained quite a number of EMT's for ambulances in the area. He was a member of a poker club and had a lifetime love of playing games and cards with friends and family. In later years, he and his brother tried parasailing and a new passion was discovered. All his life Harold enjoyed helping his kids as well as friends and neighbors when needed. As a member of Memorial Christian Church he served as Sunday school teacher, Deacon, and Elder for over 30 years. He used his construction skills along with other volunteers and played a major part in completing the new education building for the church in 1976 and remodeling the older part of the church. Harold was greatly loved and an example to all his children and their families. They all loved him and still came to visit and play games with Dad/Grandpa! He will be greatly missed. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty Walker, two brothers, Charles Walker and Daniel Walker, and one sister, Evelyn Snell, and two sons-in-law, John Eddy and William "Bill" Woolfolk. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Memorial Christian Church, Carlinville, IL. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Memorial Christian Church, Carlinville. Burial will follow in Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Carlinville, IL. Harold is survived by his son, Phillip (Carlene) Walker of Carlinville, IL, daughter, Cindy (Greg) DeJarnette of Lincoln, IL, daughter, Mindy Eddy of Pinehurst, NC, daughter, Ellenor Karrick of Carlinville, IL, daughter, Melody Harkey-Dufner of Carlinville, IL, daughter, Marla Woolfolk of Carlinville, IL, 19 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Memorial Christian Church or Salvation Army. Please visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.