Joseph Clifford Walker's Obituary
Joseph Clifford Walker, 84, of Centerville, IA, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center after an extended illness.
Joe was born on September 22, 1938, in Mystic, Iowa, the middle child and only son of Clifford (Happy) Haines Walker and Evalee (Sanders) Walker. As a child he started working alongside his father on his family's farm north of Mystic. He graduated from Centerville High School in 1956 and went on to Indian Hills Community College while continuing to farm full-time. Joe served in the United States Army National Guard from 1960 through 1968 attaining the enlisted rank of Sergeant E-5 and earning the distinction of 'Expert' Marksman. In 1964 he attended the Iowa Military Academy, was commissioned, and attained the rank of First Lieutenant. He enjoyed his time in the National Guard and appreciated the many friends he made.
In 1962 Joe met Sharon Lilland who had just taken her first teaching job at Centerville High School where she intended to stay just one year. Joe convinced her otherwise and they were married on December 28,1963. At the time of Joe's passing, the couple was less than six months from their 60th wedding anniversary.
Relocated by the creation of the Rathbun Dam, Joe and Sharon settled into their permanent home north of Centerville in 1967 and had two children, Kjersten and Joseph II (Joe). Joe Sr. continued to farm until age 70. He introduced conservation methods to the county as the first 'no-till' farmer and as an early adopter of terracing. Joe bought and restored two bulldozers to build his own terraces and ponds. He served for a decade on the Appanoose County Conservation Board and as a Trustee of Vermillion Township where he tended the Jewish, Thomasson, and Dale Cemeteries with care for years.
Sharon, Kjersten, and Joe (Bridget) along with seven grandchildren (Karianna, Katrin, Karsten, Kajsa, Saskia, Sabine, and Stellan), extended family, friends, and neighbors are left to honor the memory of Joe's life. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Evalee Walker, and sisters, Carole and Barbara.
A visitation (10 a.m.) and military service and funeral (11a.m.) will be held on July 22, 2023, at the First Lutheran Church in Centerville with a lunch following the service. A private burial will be held at a later date.
To those who loved him deeply, Joe embodied integrity. His interests ranged from wild and domesticated animals to art and antiques, from classic cars and motorcycles to military history and British comedy, and from gospel, country, and classical music to news and trivia. Perhaps above all he will be remembered by his family for his dry wit, his inventive mind, his quiet generosity, and his unwavering loyalty.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorials have been established at The First Lutheran Church, The Centerville Historic Preservation Corporation (HPC) and The Appanoose County Historical Society, which may be sent to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Joseph Walker Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page.
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