Bill Harrison Walker, age 89 of Fairfax, Missouri, died December 4, 2024, at the Tiffany Heights Nursing Home in Mound City, Missouri. Bill was born December 28, 1934, in Fairfax, the son of the late Willie “Ping” and Anna (Johnson) Walker.
Bill was a graduate of Fairfax High School Class of 1954. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served for several years.
On October 1, 1960, he was united in marriage to Janice Lea Bowness at St. Oswald’s Church. Two sons, Todd and Tim, were born to this union.
Bill and Janice were passionate about supporting their children’s interests and activities. As their sons participated in Boy Scouts, Bill and Janice became active members of the troop, with Bill serving as Cub Master for both of them. His dedication to the Scouts earned him an honorary membership in the Mic-O-Say tribe, a prestigious honor at Boy Scout Camp Geiger. Throughout their school years, Bill never missed a ballgame, always showing up to support his sons. In later years, Bill loved spending time with his grandkids and thought the world of them.
Bill worked on the Interstate 29 Bridge Construction Crew from 1972 to 1977, building all bridges from Mound City to the Iowa state line. After this project was completed, Bill worked at the Fairfax MFA Exchange until he retired in 1997. Bill was a member of the Fairfax Baptist Church, where he attended services and also drove the church bus for many years, ensuring that everyone had transportation to church.
Bill and Janice were longtime members of the “Golden Arrow Bow Hunters” archery club, which was founded in 1964. They contributed to the club’s activities, including organizing shooting tournaments and fish fries to raise funds. Bill’s love of the outdoors extended beyond archery; he was an avid hunter and fisherman, always enjoying time spent in nature. Bill and Janice loved exploring National Parks in the west including the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and the Badlands.
Bill spent the last four years at Tiffany Heights Nursing Home, where he formed special bonds with the staff, often sharing his trademark sense of humor with them.
Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Janice (April 21, 2020); and a sister, JoAnn Belcher (March 2021).
His survivors include two sons, Todd (Julie) Walker, Columbia, Missouri, and Tim (Nina) Walker, Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Bryce Walker and Brett (Tori) Walker, both of Omaha, Taylor (Tyler) Athon, Columbia, and Jacob Walker, Kansas City, Missouri; great-granddaughters, Emery and Elise Walker, Omaha, and Jenna Athon, Columbia; brother-in-law, Roger (Paula) Bowness; nephew, Greg Massie; niece, Debbie Langston; and a host of other family members and loved ones.
A graveside service and burial was held Monday, December 9, 2024, in the Walkup Grove Cemetery, near Fairfax. Memorials may be directed to Walkup Grove Cemetery, c/o John Carter, 28542 Hawk Road, Maryville, MO 64468. Arrangements were under the direction of Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax and Craig. Online condolences may be left at andrewshannfuneralhome.com.