Samuel N. Walker

Samuel N. Walker, age 66, of Mattoon, went to be with the Lord 11:20 p.m. Friday, June 22, 2007 at his residence.\r\n\r\nFuneral services honoring his life will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church, Mattoon, with Rev. Tom Pullen officiating. A eulogy will be given by Dale Annis. Interment will follow in Dodge Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home.\r\n\r\nSamuel N. Walker was born May 28, 1941 at Mattoon, Illinois, a son of Harlen S. and Virginia (Shouse) Walker. He married Beatrice J. Browning August 23, 1959 at Mattoon. Surviving are his wife, Bea of Mattoon; sons, Christopher M. Walker and wife Jill and Steven N. Walker all of Mattoon; his mother, Virginia Walker Moritz and Step-father Harold Moritz of Mattoon. He also leaves a brother, Dennis Walker and wife Kathy of Mattoon; a sister, Peggy Walker Degler and husband Tom of Geneva, Illinois; a step-sister, Nancy Janes and husband David of Trilla; grandchildren, Wendy Walker of Sullivan, Clayton and Molly Walker of Mattoon; and nephews, Aaron and Nathan Degler and Clint Walker. His father, Harlen Walker and two brothers, Rex and Howard Walker preceded him in death.\r\n\r\nSam graduated from Mattoon High School on May 27, 1959. He joined the U.S. Army in June of 1959. Sam proudly served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division and would have gladly died for the country he loved.\r\n\r\nSam felt blessed in his life to have had jobs that he loved. After returning from the Army, he farmed with his father and grandfather. He owned and operated Walker Grain Elevator at Jones Switch for 20 years, where he loved working with area farmers and the community. For the past 17 years, his greatest love was for his cattle farm. Sam felt he was truly blessed, that he could go to the farm and care for his cattle.\r\n\r\nBea, Sam's high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years, supported and shared his life. Sam was a dedicated Christian and looked for opportunities to share and witness his faith to bring others to the Lord.\r\nMemorial contributions are suggested to Lincolnland Home Care or Lincolnland Hospice.

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Samuel N. Walker

May 28, 1941 - June 22, 2007