Donald R. Walker

Donald R. Walker, 71, of Danville passed away at 9:34 am on Tuesday May 11, 2004 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on September 24, 1932 the son of Wayne and Lea Dufranse Walker in Udell, Iowa. He married Charlene Johnston on September 4, 1954 in Centerville, Iowa. She survives of Danville. Other survivors include two sons: Donald Walker of Mingo, IA and David (Debra) Walker of Vancouver, WA, one daughter: Darci (Charles) Devens of Danville as well as two brothers, seven sisters, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and one grandson: Adam Wagner. Don served in the Army during WWII in Germany and had attained the rank of Corporal. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service and the Occupational Medals. After returning from the war he graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Horticulture and a Minor in Turf Management. He worked one year with the Iowa State Conservation Commission as a Game Warden in Glenwood, IA, and then started his career as a Golf Course Superintendent. Don was the assistant Superintendent at the Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, IL for 2 years and then was the Superintendent in Kenosha WI at the Kenosha Wisconsin Country Club for 2 years, the Oceanside California Country Club for two years, Pekin, IL Parkview Golf Course for 7 years where he also served as the manager of the Olympic size ice rink, and finally the Elks Club Golf Course in Danville for over 16 years. After leaving the Danville Elks Club he worked for the University for Illinois in the Maintenance Department for 10 years. Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He was a member of the National and Illinois Golf Course Superintendents Association as well as the Elks Club, and the American Legion.