William H. Walker

Due to construction on Rt. 30, please click here for an easier way to get to the funeral home if you are coming from the West: Alternate Route William H. (Bill) Walker, age 81, formerly of Hammond, IN, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, July 4, 2024. He was born January 25, 1943, to the late Jennie Mae and Herman Alexander Walker as the 2nd eldest of six children. Bill was a proud U.S. Army Veteran (Vietnam 1964 – 1966) and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, family member, and friend. Bill was also an avid amateur photographer, tennis player, family historian, and reader. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him for his endearing wisdom, wit and ever-present sarcasm. Growing up in Hammond, Bill was a consistent and active member of the East Hammond community known by many nicknames – Bill, Billy, and Sonny. It was not uncommon to find him in a huddle with family and friends retelling stories of growing up on Field St., hanging out past curfew at Brooks House; South Shore train rides to explore downtown Chicago, and later in life, week-end tennis matches at Harrison Park. In addition to his military service, Bill was honored and proud of being one of the first African American summer lifeguards at Wolf Lake and one of the first African American members of the tennis team for Hammond High. Before entering the Army, Bill met the love of his life, Clara J Walker (nee Upshaw) while both worked at Rand McNally. Bill and Clara were married on August 31,1968 and the two built and lived in their home on Highland St. for nearly 50 years, during which time, he earned his Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Purdue University (1977) and went on to have two children, Nicole J. Walker and Troy D. Walker, and two granddaughters, Taylor D. Walker and TseKai M. Walker. In 2000, Bill retired from BP Amoco after nearly twenty years, with the expressed goal of spending more time travelling, attending family reunions, and spoiling his grandchildren. He succeeded. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Jennie Mae and Herman Walker and brothers Raymond Walker and Darryl L. Walker. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, siblings Shirley Walker- Sheppard, Lewis Walker (Mabel), Paul A. Walker (Janette), Leonard Walker (Donna), Wayne Walker (Vandalia), Paul (Marilyn) Walker, Willie May Walker, Sandy Gail Pilgrom, Angel Walker, Alice Fay Walker, Barbara (Larry) Walker-Foote, and Debra Ann Walker; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30 & Pleasant Springs Lane) Dyer, IN. Internment services will immediately follow at Concordia Cemetery – Hammond, IN. Further information on sending flowers to the family, contributing to the online condolence guestbook, or making a memorial contribution in Bill’s honor, can be found at www.SMITSFH.com.