John R. Walker

John R. Walker, age 74, of Pittsfield, IL passed away on Friday April 11, 2025, at the Hannibal Regional Hospital.  He was born on July 15, 1950, in Pittsfield, IL to Jack and Lois (Smith) Walker.  John married Junice Grace Haschemeyer on June 12, 1976, in Golden, IL, and she survives.

John grew up in Perry, IL and graduated from Perry High School in 1968.  During his youth, he was a 4-H member and enjoyed showing his Angus cattle at the local fairs.  John farmed with his dad until 1993 and was proud of the fact he bought the 9th largest round Vermeer baler in the state of Illinois.  He went on to sell farm equipment for Cadle and Sons John Deere dealership in Perry.  He later worked at Logan’s and for the John Thomas Farms along with doing custom work for other area farmers.  Before retiring, he worked 12 years for Pike Pig Systems and after retiring he did seasonal work at Siloam Springs.

John liked Cardinal baseball, watching old westerns, and spent several years hunting but especially enjoyed duck hunting.  John and Grace enjoyed rides through the country, always taking a different route home and they loved to tour wineries with their friends.  John was a talker and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere.  He was never at a loss for words.  He was also a history buff and enjoyed sharing his knowledge, especially with his grandkids.  John loved to attend his grandchildren’s activities and just liked having them around.  John could be a bit onery and maybe seemed a bit gruff but loved his family deeply and will be missed by all who knew him. 

John is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Grace; one son, Keith (Jane) Walker of Pittsfield, IL; one daughter, Jennifer (Clay) Lister of Barry, IL; daughter-in-law Ashley Walker of Macon, MO; grandchildren, Cameron Walker, Tobey Walker, and Tyler Walker; siblings, Charles (Sandy) Walker, Joyce (Kenny) Smith, Linda (Dave) Irick; sister-in-law, Juleen (Merlin) Ihnen; and several nieces and nephews survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one son Eric Walker; in-laws, Wilbur and Alberta Haschemeyer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL.  Interment will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery in Pittsfield, IL.   Visitation will be on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to be made to the Gardner Camp.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. 

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