1924
Merle
2018
Merle Douglas Walker
July 24, 1924 — February 17, 2018
Survivors include two sons, Gerald D. Walker and Randy L. Walker of Kirksville and one daughter, Connie E. Williams and husband Larry of Joplin, MO; two grandchildren, Matthew J. Williams and wife Sharon of Sheldon, MO and Dana M. Williams of Neosho, MO and six great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Reta; his parents; five brothers, William, James, John, Roy and Robert Walker; and one sister, Virginia M. Willis.
Merle served his country during world war II in Africa and Italy where he earned the infantry combat badge, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star with clusters while on the Anzio Beach Head.
Returning home after being wounded he met and married Reta, and moved to Iowa City where he attended the University of Iowa and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1951. They moved their family to San Diego, CA in 1956 where he worked for General Dynamics/Astro-Nautics as an engineering illustrator on the Atlas missile and was union representative for the writers and illustrators. After retiring they returned to Kirksville to be near family. Merle was well known for his oil painting landscapes which hang in many private homes throughout the country and received many awards and prizes.
His family loved Merle dearly and cherish the years he got to be together with them. His most important role in life was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. We will sadly miss him.
It was Merle’s wish to be cremated and a private burial will be held in the family plot in Park View Memorial Gardens with no funeral.
Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merle Douglas Walker, please visit our flower store.
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