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Obituaries » William S. Walker
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Show Obituaries Show Guestbook Show Photos QR Code PrintIn accordance with his wish cremation will take place and a memorial will be held later. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice Residence, c/o the funeral home.
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Age 99, passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 with family at his side. He was born in Dayton Ohio, on June 6th, 1920, the son of the late Claude and Alberta (Hyre) Walker. Bill had a great personality and was a joy to know, he loved his God Jehovah, his family and friends. He lived most of his life in Kalamazoo, but he was most at home in the outdoors. He had a passion for hunting and fishing and participated in numerous fishing tournaments. He was able to travel Canada and the US on many exciting hunting expeditions. Bill was an inventor and at a young age invented the dividing head chuck that is still in use today. His Company “Micro Machine” was for many years a captive vendor for “Stryker Corporation” where again Bill invented many surgical devices which necessitated him to view surgeries with the doctors explaining to him what they needed to improve their procedures. He also created the now famous “Walker Downrigger” which is used by fishermen worldwide. When not working he also was an accomplished photographer; for thirty years he was hired for weddings and other special events. Bill was a pilot and loved to fly. He had a hanger and landing strip on his home property and owned five different planes over his lifespan. Bill was a Jehovah’s Witness and attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He leaves behind many wonderful memories of a life well lived. On November 15, 1942 he married Lula Rae (Reynolds) Walker who preceded him in passing in 1995. He was also preceded in passing by two children, William “Billy” and Robert “Bob” Walker; three grandchildren, Ashley and Bradley Walker and Anson Lehman; two brothers, Howard and Donald Walker. He is survived by four children, Sharon Hyder, James “Jim” (Donna) Walker, Michael (Nona) Walker, Terri Lu Walker; nineteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.