Bill Walker

William "Bill" Walker was an easygoing man with an intense love for life. Never one to let life pass him by, Bill was a business owner and participated in many organizations that gained him respect and notoriety throughout his community. When not serving his community, Bill took the time to foster many hobbies; however, he was never too busy to spend time with his beloved wife and daughter, whom he loved dearly.

1915 was a historic year for technology in the United States. While many Americans were finding work in the newly industrialized nation, Henry Ford was celebrating the completion of the one millionth Ford to roll off the assembly lines. For the Walker family of Paw Paw, Michigan, the most memorable event of the year was the birth of their second child, son William, on November 29, 1915. Along with his older brother, George, and three younger siblings, Frank, Margaret and DeVerne, Bill grew up on their family farm located just north of Decatur. From a very young age, he learned the value of a hard days work and carried this work ethic with him throughout his life. Bill was a "sweat the details" kind of guy and firmly believed that "if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right."

Farming wasn't Bill's cup of tea, so after graduating from Decatur High School, he headed to Paw Paw in pursuit of work. He soon found a job at Water's Hardware Store, where over the next few years, he gained full knowledge of the hardware business. After some time, Bill left Water's for a job at Thompson Hardware in Lawrence. Eventually, the opportunity presented itself for Bill to own the business, and the store soon became known as Walker Hardware. Over the years, many people in the community came to know Bill not only as a respected businessman but also as the all around "fix it" guy for appliances. If his tools were handy when asked for help, he just couldn't say no. When he eventually retired, Bill sold his tools so that there wouldn't be temptation of his "couldn't say no side."

As fate would have it, Bill met his beautiful wife, Marian Culver, in Lawrence, where she worked for a local doctor. The two formally met at a dance in town and had danced the night away together. They were soon romantically involved and eventually married. Bill and Marian spent the next 65+ years together, raising their daughter, Bette Jean, and sharing many wonderful memories as a family. As a father, Bill was firm, yet protective, and always made sure his daughter knew she was loved unconditionally. He doted on her as his princess, but also taught her "important" things that would help her in life, like driving a pick up truck. He couldn't resist having some fun with her in a snowy parking lot, sliding the truck side ways, which was always good for a laugh.

Bill and Marion had a wonderful marriage and enjoyed many of the same hobbies, so they spent much of their time together. Bill was a true outdoorsman, and loved to fish and was a skilled hunter. He enjoyed shooting skeet and trap, and took time to show Marian how to shoot a 410 shotgun, which was just her size. Bill had a workshop in his basement, where he always had some project going on. He enjoyed listening to music of the Big Bands and tuning into a Detroit Tiger's baseball game on the radio. As a couple, Bill and Marian were both very outgoing and enjoyed getting together with friends. Their love of dancing also kept them light on their feet well into the morning hours. They enjoyed traveling and had been to Hawaii a few times, as well as taken some cruises. When it came to Bill's work at the fire department, Marian always gave him her full support, and worked along with the other wives to keep their firefighters strong, physically and in spirit.

Although Bill's family and business kept him busy, he valued his community and was actively involved in several organizations. Being both social and a natural leader, it was no surprise that Bill worked for the Lawrence Fire Department for 28 years, 12 of which were as Chief. He was also greatly involved with the Mason's, including as a lifetime member of the Lawrence Masonic Lodge and a past Master, a lifetime member of 32 Degree Mason's and of the Lawrence Order of Eastern Star and a Paston Patron. Additionally, Bill served as the Lawrence Village Clerk for 16 years. After first marrying, Bill and Marian lived above the Thompson Funeral Home in Lawrence, and true to his nature, Bill always lent a hand at the funeral home, driving the hearse and ambulance when needed. A short time later, the couple found a piece of land in Lawrence that they loved and built their home here. Over the years, their home saw many family pets, mostly Cocker Spaniels and Retrievers, including Lady and Skippy, as well as Fritzy their Dachshund and Cindy the Poodle.

Bill was a fun loving, reliable and trustworthy man. His family and friends respected him greatly, both for his strength and his unconditional love. He was continually guided by strong values, values that helped him make a lasting and positive impression on all the lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.

Bill Passed away January 20, 2007 at Crystal Manor in Grand Rapids. Bill was born November 29, 1915 in Paw Paw, MI the son of Jay Earl and Marguerite (Cole) Walker. Learn more about Bill, view his life story film and visit with his family and friends Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson, 60900 M-40 Paw Paw 657-3970 where a service to honor his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday. Interment will follow at Hill Cemetery, Lawrence. Bill owned and operated the Walker hardware store in Lawrence for 32 years. In 1967 he sold the business and went to work at All Phase Electric in Kalamazoo, retiring in 1980. His community involvements included; serving as Lawrence village clerk for 16 years, service on the Lawrence Fire Dept for 28 years, including 12 years as Chief and past Master and life member of the Lawrence Masonic Lodge. Bill was also a life member of the 32 degree Mason's. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers; George and Frank Walker and one brother-in-law, Kenneth Mangold. On April 14, 1941 he was united in marriage with Marian (Culver) Walker who survives. Also surviving is his daughter, Bette (Robert) Lane of Byron Center, MI, 2 grandchildren; Sonja and Eric, 2 great-grandchildren; Jennifer and Justin, 1 brother, Deverne Walker of Dowagiac, 1 sister, Margaret Mangold of Dowagiac, 1 brother-in-law, Morris Culver of Grosse Isle, MI, 2 sister-in-laws, Marie Walker and Virginia Walker both of Dowagiac and several nieces and nephews. To read Bill's complete life story, archive a favorite memory, upload a photo or a make memorial contribution to the American Heart Association, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.