Jack Bradford Walker, age 94, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023, at the Mt Vernon Veterans’ Home, where he resided since March 23, 2016.

Jack was born to William Bradford and Elzada (Rader) Walker on January 3, 1929 in Richland, MO, their two children were there to greet him, a sister, Marie and a brother, Rader.

Jack’s mother was a wife, mother and homemaker and his father was an educator.  His father began his Educational Master’s Degree at Southwest Teachers College and then he was inducted into the Army.  Upon his return he completed his education and became an instructor at Richland High School and principal of the Richland Schools until his death on February 6, 1930, leaving Jack’s mother to raise three children on her own.

The family eventually moved to Springfield, MO where Jack met the love his life, Virginia Eileen Michael at Trinity Lutheran Church while attending Walther League, a youth program for high school students.  Virginia was teased a lot for dating a boy from the “North side” but she didn’t let that sway her.

After high school Jack was inducted into the army on November 28, 1950 to serve his country in the infantry during the Korean War.  He was injured by a hand grenade and transported to Japan.  He spent some time at the hospital and was discharged on August 27, 1952.

On November 7, 1952 Jack Bradford Walker was united in marriage to Virginia Eileen Michael.  Jack and Virginia were the last couple to be married in the “old” Trinity Lutheran Church on North Jefferson.  Over the next 11 years the couple was blessed with four children: Michael (Mike), Kim, Bradford (Brad), and Kelly.

During his career years, Jack spent some time as a salesman, first typewriters then sewing machines. They moved to Moberly, MO with their 2 young children for a short time, but missing Springfield they moved home.  He began work at Southwestern Bell as an Installer.  After a fall from a telephone pole, he injured his ankle and was given an inside position, framework.

Jack and Virginia were deeply in love. When his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s he professed, he would take care of her at home until the end.  As the disease progressed, it became harder and harder to keep his promise in March of 2014 Virginia went to Maplewood Memory Care Center.  After the move to Maplewood, Jack moved into the Mount Vernon Veterans Home.  He was still able to visit her on a regular basis. Since her death in 2017 he has missed his beloved wife so much.  It was a blessing to see him go so peacefully to heaven to be with her once again.

Jack and Virginia loved to play all kinds of games but mostly cards and putting puzzles together.  Jack was known for his puzzles while at the Mt Vernon Veteran’s’ Home (who were so good to him and we will never forget them!) and he loved playing all the games there.  His daughter would visit often and join in on the fun especially with the puzzles.  Jack had approximately 150 (300 pc) puzzles he would work through and then recycle through them again.

Jack is preceded in death by his loving wife Virginia Eileen Walker, his brother Rader Walker and wife Doris, sister Marie and husband Jay Wiltzer, brother-in-law James Michael and wife Dorothy, sister-in-law Dolores and husband Mel Woods, son Michael Jack Walker, and son-in-law Matthew Meyer.  He is survived by daughter Kim Meyer, oldest son Nick Meyer, wife Libby and their sons Myles and Matthew, and youngest son Byron Meyer, wife Katrina and their son Atlas; son Brad, wife Melanie and their son Briley; son Kelly and his daughter Madison.  He’s also blessed to be survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be at 1 pm with visitation at 12pm, Monday, November 6, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, followed by a graveside service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please send donations to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Mount Vernon Veterans Home, 1600 S Hickory, Mt. Vernon, MO  65712 for all the great care they gave him!