Daniel Wayne Walker, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed peacefully away at his home on May 3, 2024, at the age of 73. Daniel was born to Burman and Lola (Turner) Walker on February 9, 1951, in Springfield, Missouri. He was raised a Baptist, attended Parkview High School, and remained a lifelong resident of Springfield. Daniel was united in marriage to Louise Caldwell on May 10, 1969. The couple shared 53 years of marriage before Louise’s untimely passing on September 6, 2022. Daniel and Louise were blessed with three daughters: Laura, Lola, and Tammie.

For over ten years, Daniel served as a chef at Southwest Missouri State University. He took great pride in serving delicious meals to thousands of students throughout the 1980s. He was also the Walker family chef. His made-from-scratch lasagna and cashew chicken were family favorites. Daniel was a sports enthusiast and a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City Chiefs. He was an avid fisherman who spent countless hours on the water at Pomme de Terre Lake. Daniel was also a well known shade tree mechanic who loved to work on cars. He was particularly fond of his 1969 Chevelle. While Daniel enjoyed a variety of music, he preferred old country, the Eagles, ZZ Top, and of course, Willie Nelson. While Daniel had a variety of hobbies and interests, nothing brought him more joy and fulfillment than spending quality time with Louise and his family. His legacy of love, laughter, good food, and entertainment will last forever in the hearts of those he touched.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Burman Walker and Lola Bassore; wife, Louise Walker; two grandchildren: Nicole Glossip and Shania Tennessee; three brothers: Randy Walker, Fred Walker, and Grady Walker. He is survived by daughter, Laura Glossip; daughter, Lola Compton and her husband, George; daughter, Tammie Tennessee and her husband, Darrell; three grandchildren: Michael Glossip, Dylan Gipson, and Kayla Compton; five great-grandchildren: Shaylee, Jakob, Ethan, Shyanne, and Gavin; brother, Burman Walker; and sister, Brenda Shivers. Daniel also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Daniel’s family will host a visitation on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Daniel Wayne Walker will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 1:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Following his funeral service, Daniel will be laid to rest next to his wife in Manley Cemetery. There will be a formal procession from the funeral home to the cemetery.

Daniel and Louise were blessed with exceptional care provided by Laura, Lola, and Tammie. Because of their unconditional love and support, neither Daniel nor Louise were ever placed in a nursing home or assisted care facility. One of their daughter’s said it best, “A nursing home was never even considered for our mom and dad.”