Dr. Donald L. Walker | Joyann Walker

Jan. 25, 1931-March 15, 2021 | Oct. 16, 1932-March 28, 2021

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Dr. Donald L. Walker, 90, entered his Savior’s presence on Monday, March 15, 2021. His wife, Joyann G. Walker, 88, entered her Savior’s presence as well just two weeks later on Sunday, March 28, 2021. Though they spent many years living in Darlington, Indiana, they had been residing at Eddison Manor Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the last few years.

Don was born Jan. 25, 1931, to Eugene and Madge Walker. Joyann was born Oct. 16, 1932, to Ralph and Wanda Conlan. Don and Joyann were married June 14, 1953.

They are survived by their children, Mark Walker (Maria), Matthew Walker (Christie), Martha Kaiser (Franz), Mary Nalbach and Miriam Schneider (Andre); their siblings, Don Conlan, Jackie Hopkins, Janet Marvin and Louis Walker; 28 grandchildren, Susanna Berger, Catherine Wilbanks, Elizabeth (Lisa) Walker Doughty, Doris Walker (Shellabarger), Sarah Olds, Rebekah Olds, David Olds, Tabea Kaiser, Debora Pfleiderer, Hanna Berger, Samuel Kaiser, Jonathan Kaiser, Joanna Walker Smith, Alisha Walker Bronietzki, Melinda Walker Fiore, Aarin Walker, Benjamin Walker, Simeon Walker, Sarina Walker, Josiah Walker, Aileen Walker, Louann Walker, Liam Schneider, Lena Schneider, Lisann Schneider, Rachel Walker, Amber Walker and Christian Roberts; and 35 great-grandchildren, Micah Wilbanks, Zoe Doughty, Tobias, Elijah, and Josie Shellabarger, Jana Walker, Sariah Gomez, Elias Lopez, Caleb Olds, Salome, Benjamin, David, Micha, Josiah, Simona, and Sara Pfleiderer, Goia Berger, Noah Kaiser, Caleb Kaiser, Makayla, Alyssa, Brayden, Kylie, Taylor and Nayomi Smith, Mewis, Leevke, Eske and Ties Bronietzki, Sophia, Sam, and Eliza Fiore, Wesley Walker, Ilse Walker and Levi Walker.

They are preceded in death by their parents; daughter Magdalena Walker Roberts; and Don’s sister, Peggy Perry.

Don grew up in Darlington, Indiana and was a faithful missionary in Europe for many years along with his wife Joyann. He courageously carried the gospel to difficult and dangerous places during the Cold War. After retiring from their church planting work in Germany and returning to their family farm in Indiana, Don continued to serve the Lord short-term in various countries including Malaysia, India, Nepal, and Croatia. He served at East Side Baptist Church in Crawfordsville as well for many years and in a variety of ways after returning from the mission field. In 2020, he authored a book titled “According to His Purpose: How God Led Me from Rural Indiana to the Ends of the Earth.” His book can be purchased on Amazon. Don’s ministry stretched from humble beginnings of Indiana to the far-reaching mountain ranges of Nepal. A great servant of the Lord. Don’s race is run. He is safe home. His was a life well-lived. We will miss him.

Joyann was probably the next best thing that ever happened to Don. The first was of course his redemption. In saying this I am only repeating that which I heard Don himself say on more than one occasion. They were a God-blessed couple, and their gifts and talents complemented each other as if by Divine design (which of course was the case). She was a homemaker and a servant of our Lord. The Walker table was open and hospitable to the stranger as well as the friend at mealtimes. All were made to feel welcome and special. She was a blessing to all who were privileged to know and work with her. She will be missed. But “we do not mourn as others who have no hope.”

“Safe Home,” Joyann and Don. Let’s do dinner at the big round table with the central lazy Susan if the bearings haven’t burned out!”

We honor them, for the work and investment in the lives of so many. As Psalms 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Because of that investment, the Walker legacy will live on in those of us whom they have left behind. May we be spurred on to be part of the few, for which they so willingly gave us everything to serve, and may our children, and the children of all those who serve, be thankful for being part of the sacrifice and legacy left by those who are the few.

A memorial service will be held at East Side Baptist Church, 2000 Traction Road, Crawfordsville, on Saturday, June 19 at 3 p.m. A short visitation will take place from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. A private family graveside service will be held Saturday morning in Darlington.


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