- Date Of Birth: January 9, 1937
- Date Of Death: November 4, 2018
- State: Illinois
Thomas Leland Walker, of Auburn, born Jan. 9, 1937, to Pearl F. and Clifford S. Walker of Murrayville, passed away Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield. He was 81.
Tom was a graduate of Jacksonville High School, class of 1955. He received a diploma from Chicago Tech College in Building Technology and served an apprenticeship with Jacksonville Local 904, receiving his Journeyman certification in 1958. Tom was a life member of Murrayville United Methodist Church, attended Lincolnland Community College, Sangamon State University, and Richland Community College in Decatur.
He taught building trades for seven years at Capital Area Career Center and three and half years at Richland Community College. Mr. Walker worked most of his life as a carpenter, building contractor, teacher, and building materials salesman. He was also active in Auburn Rotary Club, was a five time President of Jacksonville Council 182 of United Commercial Travelers, served one year as President of State U.C.T., and was a Mason since 1962.
Mr. Walker enjoyed singing, playing his guitars and piano, trap shooting, substitute teaching in the Auburn and Chatham school districts for ten years, and his role as election judge. He treasured time spent with his family, which includes over 42 children in Mr. and Mrs. Walker’s home day care.
Without exceptionm he committed his life and support to his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Tom married Nelda Sue Blackburn Dec. 8, 1957, the daughter of William “Bill” and Mary Emma Blackburn at the Murrayville United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Seed. Surviving are his beloved wife, Sue, and five children born of this marriage, Deborah Ann (husband Carl) Jones, Russell William (wife Rhonda) Walker, all of Auburn, Mickie Lee (husband Douglas) Rahn, of rural Murrayville, Nancy Sue (husband Donnie) DeHeve of Auburn, and Michelle Kay (husband Kenneth) Moyer of Greenville, SC; twelve grandchildren, Jennifer (Bill) Huff, Stephanie (Andy) Ralston, all of Auburn, Jeffery DeHeve of Springfield, Nathan Rahn of Springfield, Amanda DeHeve, Tom Walker, both of Auburn, Zachary Rahn of Phoenix, AZ, Jonathan Jones of Greenville, SC, Matthew (Katie) Walker of Springfield, and Katherine, Virginia, and Victoria Moyer, all of Greenville, SC; eleven great grandchildren, Marissa and Julia Robinson, Connor Ralston, Alex Kelly, Coty and Ciara Taborn, Parsyn Neighbors, Skylar Walker, Emmett Rahn, and Evan and Collyn Huff; one great-great grandson, Liam Pupillo; and one sister, Sandra Sue (deceased husband Tom) David of Clinton, IA.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Cliff Walker; sister, Linda Walker; brother, Jerry (surviving wife Connie of Springfield) Walker; two sisters in infancy, Janet and Darlene Walker; and his grandson, Ryan Rahn.
