John Wesley Walker was born December 13,1945 in Vandalia, IL to Paul Wesley & Marjorie Jane (Pugh) Walker. He married Janice Eva Taylor in Marston Moreteyne, England on June 15, 1968 and celebrated 53 glorious years of marriage.
Surviving are their four daughters, Gail (Paul) Montgomery of Grand Rapids, MI. Alison (Rodney) Knee of Peoria, IL, Samantha (Scott) Toft, and Suzanne Walker-Cortez both of East Peoria, IL; eleven grandchildren: Megan, Jay, Dominic, Taylor, Kyle, Alexis, Monique, Piper, Grayson, Zoey and Oliver. Step granddaughter: Paula Knee; 16 great grandchildren, and two siblings: Jo Anne Pope and Paulette Hart.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, the love of his life – Janice, and his brother Emil Walker.
He retired from the US Air Force after twenty-seven years of service. He later worked as a Veterans Service Officer for the IL Dept of Veterans Affairs for twenty years, retiring in December 2011,
The last thirteen years he enjoyed his retirement planning and traveling with his beautiful bride and grandkids. John never met a stranger and could start a conversation with a light post. He never forgot a name, yet was known for repeating the same story often.
He made everyone feel like they were his favorite. But he was everyone’s favorite Poppy.
Visitation will be Sunday November 24, 2024 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Funeral services will be Monday November 25, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Monday.
Burial with military honors will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
You may view John’s obituary online at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com
