Eugene W. Walker, Jr.

Eugene "Gene" Wayne Walker, Jr. was born July 30, 1943, in Ipava, IL, the son of Eugene Wayne Walker of Canton IL and Vivian Louise (Hensley) Chrysler. He was raised on a farm by his grandparents, Wayne Winfield Walker and Clara Dale (Wheeler) Walker. He died May 11, 2026, at the Illinois Presbyterian Home in Springfield, Illinois at the age of 82.

After attending college in Canton, IL, he was a Navy Vietnam Veteran Petty Officer 3d class 1963-1967 ENT Electronics Technician serving in the Brown Waters aboard the USS Chevalier DD805 and also in Kodiak Alaska. His military story was recently interviewed in a chapter of David Grogan's book, "Learning to Live from Those Willing to Die". After the military, he had a long successful career at AT&T.

Gene was a member of VFW 755, the Navy Club, and Camp 4 of the Sons of Union Veterans. He was also a member of the Civil War Springfield Soldiers Aid Society affiliated with the 114th Illinois Regiment. He also served on the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Gene was honored to serve and support his fellow veterans. He was happy to portray his Great-Great-Grandfather, Sgt. John Preston Wheeler, a Civil War Veteran.

Preceding him were his parents Eugene Wayne Walker Sr and Vivian Hensley, his grandparents Wayne and Clara Dale Walker, Farmer and Bertha Hensley, one brother from his mother, Medford Adarine Chrysler, KIA in Vietnam.

Survived by his siblings from his father Eugene Wayne Walker, Sr., Mary Baldauskas (Chuck) of Gardnerville, NV, Debbie Test (Randy) of Montgomery, IL, Darrell Walker (Patty Rilea) of Canton, IL, Pam Donnelly (Rick) of Canton, IL Jerry Walker (Betty) of Gibson City, IL. Siblings from his mother Vivian Hensley, Dennis Chrysler (Linda) of Fort Worth, TX, Kathy Chrysler (Bob) of Roseville, CA, and Karen Demattei (Dave) of Roseville, CA.

Gene loved and was loved by his numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. His life was filled with horses, alpacas, his pets, Benzer and Trinket, among many. His nieces and nephews could hear him from across the house when he watched football. He had a passion for anything he did and the stories he had of his Navy days interested all of us. The horse he rode back and forth to school was Trigger, Grand Champion in barrel races, had an alpaca farm in Missouri and Australian Shepherds in California. He was honored to be on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight and to receive a Quilt of Valor. He enjoyed visiting family in Nevada and California.

He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL.

Memorials are suggested to VFW 755.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering and Service: Family will receive friends at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, until the time of the Service at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Darla Ann Kratzer officiating.

Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. with military honors provided by the Navy and Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.