Donald Arthur Walker

Donald Arthur Walker, 92, of Merced, California, passed away on January 31, 2023. Donald was born on December 22, 1930 to Fred and Mary Walker in Arvada, CO. After Donald graduated from Westminster HS, CO in 1949, he joined the US Navy and was stationed at Long Beach, CA. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Donald joined the Merced City Fire Department in 1953, retiring as a Captain in 1988. Upon retirement Donald and his wife Gloria spent much time square dancing and enjoying family. Later, Donald travelled often to see his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. In later years he travelled with his daughter Donnell and family for family reunions in Northern California, Oregon, Colorado, and Kansas. Donald was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He valued his family above all else. He was a long-time member of Central Presbyterian Church, Merced. A Colorado man at heart, he was a fan of the Denver Broncos, Nuggets, and Colorado Rockies. He enjoyed nothing more than spending Sunday afternoons watching games and classic movies with his granddaughter Kaitlin, and his daughter and son-in law.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Gloria, seven brothers and sisters, and most recently his daughter Donnell of Merced. He is survived by his daughter Marjorie (Larry) Bray of Valley Center, KS, his son-in-law Mike (Donnell) Smith, Merced, four grandchildren, Kaitlin Smith of Merced, Danielle (Caleb) Wood of Parsons, KS, Jesse (Amber) Bray of Wichita, KS, and Matthew Bray of Yoder, KS, four great-grandchildren, Hannah (8) Owen (5) Eli (3) and Elsie (18 months) Wood of Parsons, KS, his sister Kay Pebley of Highland, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced followed by graveside services at Merced District Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Donald’s name to Hinds Hospice of Merced or Merced County Special Olympics.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Walker family.