William E. Walker

William E. Walker

(October 13, 1942 – December 11, 2021)

William E. Walker left this world and flew on eagle wings to join his beloved wife, Jean, his parents and other family on Saturday, December 11th at 9:27 pm, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.

William (Bill) was born October 13, 1942 to Noble and Flossie (Pearce) Walker in Effingham, IL.  He married Priscilla Jean Bible September 28, 1961 in Bible Grove, IL.  They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.  Jean preceded Bill in death just 5 weeks earlier.

Bill graduated from Louisville North Clay H.S.  He knew he wanted to be a truck driver from an early age.  He spent most of his life behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler.  He transported various products all over the U.S.  After many years on the road, he shared his experience and became a truck driving school instructor.  He also served the community as road commissioner.  Bill was a long time member of Strasburg United Methodist Church.

Bill was a gregarious fellow whose presence commanded the room.  He had this great laugh and you never knew when he was “pulling your leg” or not.  His orneriness made many card games and hog roasts a ton of good ole clean fun!  Those of you who knew and loved him well will miss that so very much!  He also would “give his shirt off his own back” for anyone in need.

Bill is survived and will be greatly missed by his son, Michael (Jackie) Walker of St. Louis, MO, daughter, Teresa (Jerry) Ginger of Mattoon, IL, shared son, Mike (Peggy) Giertz of Gays, IL, grandsons Jake (Aiko) Reed of San Diego, CA, Josh (Angela) Reed of Belmont, OH, Brady Walker of St. Clairsville, OH, Seth (Megan) Coy of Mattoon, IL, granddaughter Aundee Coy of Mattoon, IL and 8 great-grandchildren. Brothers,  Jake (Arilla) Walker of Louisville, IL, Noble Walker of Clay City, IL, sisters, Kay (Jim) Taylor of Paris, IL, Ruth Lashbrook of Haubstadt, IN, brother-in-laws, Charles Culver of Strasburg, IL, Jerry (Carolyn) Bible of Louisville, IL, sister-in-laws, Vicki (Robert) McGee of Effingham, IL and Sharon Nelson of Olney, IL, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Jean, sisters, Betty Bellville, Mary Britton and Janet Culver, brother, Charles Walker, brother-in-laws, Don Belleville, Larry Britton, Larry Nelson and grandson, Jordan Giertz.

Help us celebrate his life on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Strasburg, IL.  Visitation starts at 11:00 am until the service which starts at 1:00 pm. Burial will be in Grace Cemetery, Strasburg, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Louis Haven House (memo: c/o Jordan Giertz Memorial Fund).