Look, grandpa, you finally made it into the newspaper! Donald Leroy Walker, born Jan. 25, 1931, in Boone County, Indiana, went to be with his savior Jesus Christ and his daughter Maggie on March 14, 2021, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is survived by his lifetime love and wife, Joyann, his children Mark, Matthew, Martha, Mary and Miriam and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Don was a farmer, missionary, Bible smuggler, preacher and a friend to many. Running an errand with grandpa would almost always include a pit stop at somebody’s house where he would lead an impromptu Bible study during which he would happily volunteer our services to read or play music. He was a handsome man, a dreadful singer and fiercely loved and taught God’s word to anyone who would listen. He ministered in post-World War II Germany, across the Iron Curtain to Eastern Europe, and back in the United States as well. He planted churches, taught Bible classes and preached until age caught up with him.
The grandkids enjoyed many memorable summers on the family farm in Darlington where they spent late nights gathered around the big dining table, and where grandpa pulled many pranks (mostly by partially disassembling the bed frame so it would collapse underneath us at night). His grandchildren inherited his fear of the Lord, good looks, humor and large nose. Even though we had some great debates, we always respected and loved him very much. His leadership and presence will be missed forever. Galatians 2:20
PS: Don finally finished writing his memoirs before he passed. “According to His Purpose,” by Dr. Don Walker, is now available on Amazon.
