Oral D. Walker

Oral D. Walker, 93, of Battle Creek, died Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Evergreen Senior Care and Rehab Center. Oral was born August 21, 1920 in Bronson, MI to Ivan and Frances (Vanderkooi) Walker. He graduated from Bronson High School in 1938 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. He always looked forward to the 34th Bomber Group Reunions. Oral went on to work as a fireman, attaining the rank of Captain, working at #4 Station and #2 Station. He retired on July 17, 1983, after 37 ½ years of dedication to the Battle Creek community. Oral was also the Assistant Chief of the Johnstown Township Fire Department and was instrumental in the department's development, which begun in 1977. He regularly attended the firefighter's retirees breakfast.

Oral was a member of many different organizations, including the Chapel Hill U.M.C., and also its Sunday Singles, Ecclessians and the Soup Kitchen, VFW Post #565, Fireman's Relief, Fine Lake Association, and the N.R.A. He was an honorary member of the Battle Creek Kennel Club. Oral enjoyed traveling, raising dogs and attending dog shows with his family. But most of all, Oral cherished his time spent with his grandchildren, attending their school plays and activities.

Oral married Marjorie E. Elder on August 20, 1941. She preceded him in death on March 6, 1996 after 54 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a son, James D. Walker and a sister, Vivian Bloomensaat. Oral is survived by his two daughters, Linda (Don) Autterson of Battle Creek and Kathleen (Charles) McNinch of Kalamazoo; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Thera Good of Battle Creek and Lois Hand of Battle Creek.

Visitation will be Friday, September 6, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services to celebrate Oral's life will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 7, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Chad Parmalee and Rev. David Morton. Interment with full military honors will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Chapel Hill U.M.C. Church or the Evergreen Senior Care & Rehab Facility Activities Fund. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.