URBANA, IL- Donald Wallace Walker, 84, of Urbana, passed away at 9:10 A.M., Monday, May 25, 2009, under the loving care of the Carle Foundation Hospital Oncology and Hospice Staff.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, May 29, 2009 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL. Burial will be held at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo, IL. Visitation will be held from 6-8PM, Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Donald was born with joy and celebration to Jack and Flossie Eva Morehouse Walker on September 25, 1924 at Danville, IL. He married Doris Jo Anne "Jody" Gustafson in 1981 at Urbana. She survives. Also surviving is a son, John Walker of Danville, a daughter, Nancy (Mark) Lyman of Tilton; step-daughters: Ginger Gustafson of Urbana and Kandy (Jeff) Woodcock of Tolono; step-sons: Ron (Gayle) Gustafson of Loda, and Rick Gustafson of Colorado Springs, CO and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Gustafson of Urbana. 12 Grandchildren: John Walker, Jr. and Chris Keele, both of Danville, Loren Lyman and Amanda Lyman, both of Tilton, Ron Gustafson of Waco, TX, Travis Woodcock of Savoy, Jared Woodcock of Rockford, IL, Ryan Gustafson of Paxton, Jasen Gustafson of Champaign, Joshua Gustafson of Urbana, and Shane and Heath Woodcock, both of Tolono, and 1 great-grandson, Wyatt Gustafson.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, and two daughters, an infant daughter Cheri Walker and Donna Walker Keele Marana.

Donald graduated from Danville High School and attended Danville Area Community College and the U of I. He was a firefighter for the Danville Fire Department for 29 years and he also worked for Laborer's Local #624 in Danville. He entered the United States Navy on June 26, 1943 during WWII. He served on the USS Crittenden and the USS New Orleans in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged on April 7, 1946. He was a member of the Olive Branch Masonic Lodge #3 and Consistery for 61 years, where he was also a member of the GaoGrotto. He was a member of Eastern Star Irish Chapter 307, Danville Scottish Rite, 32nd Degree Mason and he was a past member of Ansar Shrine. He was also a member of the Urbana American Legion and was a past member of the Danville American Legion. He was a very active member of Central Christian Church in Danville, having served as a Deacon, Board member, Sunday School teacher and he was in the choir. He was also a member of Ridgeview Baptist Church in Danville. Don enjoyed dancing, teaching dance and he loved sports, especially volleyball, racquetball and softball. Don and Jody enjoyed travelling and were able to visit many countries.

Don fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was a wonderful husband to Jody and a loving father and grandfather, and he delighted in spending time with his family. He was a good man, a faithful man, and now he's in heaven dancing with the angels.

Memorials may be made in Don's name to the Philo Exchange Bank, 401 N. Lincoln St., Philo, IL 61864.