By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
4 Comments
  • Visitation

    Sunday, November 20, 2022,
    5:00-7:00 pm
    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.

  • Service

    Monday, November 21, 2022,
    11:00 am
    Elm River Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

    Burial in Brown Cemetery

  • Full Obituary


    Robert D. “Bob” Walker, 96, of Cisne, IL, passed away Monday, November 14, 2022, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

    Bob was born April 19, 1926, in Herrin, IL, to Loren and Iva (Allen) Walker.  He married Helen J. Fildes on June 10, 1949, in Carbondale, IL. She preceded him in death on February 20, 2002.

    Bob was drafted into the Army on September 9, 1944.  He was discharged June 26, 1946.  He attended SIU Carbondale for three years and during this time he married Helen.  His final year of college he attended University of Illinois where he studied Vocational Agriculture.  Bob taught for five years, then transferred as a farm advisor to Edwards County, and then he transferred to University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.  He retired as Professor of Natural Resources in 1987.  After his retirement, he started Elm River Christmas Tree Farm.

    He was a member of the Mt. Erie Ruritan Club and was National Director for three years.  He was a member of the Soil Conservation Society of America, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, and American Legion in Cisne.  Bob was also active in the Elm River Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  His hobbies included photography.  If there was a family event, Bob was sure to have his camera with him especially if there was a wedding.  He also loved to travel and has visited fifty states.  He made two trips to Columbia, South America, one trip to Cali, Columbia to help repair a school building, and then traveled to the jungle to build a schoolhouse.  He then traveled to Poland to help build a building at a Baptist Church Camp.  While in Poland, as a side trip he traveled to Minsk and Moscow Russia.  In 1986, he and Helen traveled to Israel and Egypt.

    Bob is survived by his daughter Johnsie M. Wargel of Eldorado, IL, son David D. Walker and a grandson Billy Walker of Colorado.

    Preceding him in death was his parents, wife, one brother Val Gene and (Bea) Walker, one sister Helen K. (Albert) Pierce and a son-in-law Fred Wargel.

    Visitation:  Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.

    Funeral: Monday, November 21, 2022, at 11:00 am at Elm River Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

    Burial will follow in Brown Cemetery.

    In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to North Wayne Ambulance Service and will be accepted at the funeral home or church.

    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at
    www.meridithfuneralhome.com

    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

4 Condolences
 
  1. Joy Richey / November 18, 2022 at 9:28 am

    To the Walker Family. So sorry for your loss. We mostly knew Bob as the organizer of several Extension Retiree events. His efforts were much appreciated! He will be missed. Joy and Chuck Richey

  2. Karen Zimmerman / November 21, 2022 at 11:54 am

    I met Robert Walker through retired teachers and always thought he was such a sweet, nice man. I am sorry for your loss and sending prayers of comfort and peace for the family. Karen Zimmerman

  3. Maryann Pliss / November 21, 2022 at 7:12 pm

    I am so sorry to learn of your father’s passing.
    My admiration for his great and vast knowledge
    only increased with every visit.He was a caring and compassionate man and a much loving
    father always ready to help his children.
    He is on his way home to forever watch over you.

    As always,
    Maryann Pliss

  4. Stanley R Eden / November 23, 2022 at 9:08 pm

    Bob Walker was one of those great Extension Specialists that you liked to have on your program! He gave assistance to many! We enjoyed attending several of those Retiree events that he organized! Blessings to his family! Stan Eden

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