Donald G. (Don) Walker

Don Walker, age 85, passed on peacefully at his home in Baldwin City, Kansas in the early morning hours of December 26th after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Don was born in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota on February 1st, 1935. Don graduated from Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg, Kansas in 1953. After high school he worked on the family farm before working for Boeing in Wichita, Kansas. Don married Mary A. Wauge on March 21, 1959. Don and Mary moved to Lawrence, where Don proudly began raising his family and became a firefighter for the Lawrence Fire Department. Don was employed with Lawrence Sanitary Milk and Ice Cream Company and All Star Dairy for 27 years. When the dairy closed, Don worked for Dillon’s Food Stores until he retired in 1999. Don was a member of St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed camping with his family and friends. Don loved traveling with Mary, whether it be a well planned trip to Ireland, or a last minute car trip enjoying small towns and back roads. Don would often tell people that his happiest and proudest moments were spent with his grandchildren and being present for all of their activities and sporting events.
Don is survived by his wife, Mary, of 61 years; brother, Jim Everson (Theresa); daughters, Lori Foos (Randy), and Lisa Pattrick (Mike); son, David (Theresa) and grandchildren Kyle Pattrick, Kameron Crabtree (Jessica), Kelby Foos, Katie VanKeulen (Jeremy), Miranda Crabtree, Nick Pattrick, Anthony Walker and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Velma Schmoe and brothers, Clinton Everson and Danny Everson. Don had a very kind and gentle spirit. He was a man of few words and he truly enjoyed being present in whatever he was doing. Don was very hard working and loyal and he will be greatly missed.

A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. with a visitation to follow until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. With social distancing in place and masks being required, family and friends are welcome to attend in person or the service will be live-streamed at sjevangelist.com/live .
Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.