Thomas A. Walker, Sr.

Thomas Albert Walker, Sr., 77, life-long resident of Springfield, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving and attentive family. He courageously and graciously fought his battle with cancer and leaves us all with his strength and loving memories. He was born on December 26, 1933 to Charles Albert and Camellia Walker. He married Patricia Ann Burkhardt at St. Peter and Paul on November 12, 1955. Tom was a skilled craftsman of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 137 for over 50 years. He was a loving husband for 55 years, dedicated father to eight successful children, and a loving and supportive grandfather to nineteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Tom proudly served his country during the Korean conflict by participating in the first airborne operations with the 11th Airborne Division 187th RCT Rakkasans. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 755 and a member of the Korean War Association. He enjoyed reading about and traveling to historical sites. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; eight children, Thomas Jr. (Crystal) of Lowden, IA, Paul (Terri) of Spaulding, Clare Snow (Dirk) of Dallas, TX, Joseph (Olive) of Dallas, TX, Mary Christine Allgood (Gary) of St. Charles, MO, Karon Finical (Harold) of NM, William (Maryann) of Springfield and Ann Baca (Carlos) of Atlanta, GA. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Blessed Sacrament Building Fund, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, Il 62704 or St. John's Breadline, 430 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702.