Russell Walker

Herrin - Russell Lee Walker, 75, died at 1:50 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2001 at the Marion Veterans Administration Medical Center. He fought a long and courageous battle against the ravages of sudden cardiac arrest and stroke. He was born May l9, l926 in Herrin to Bert and Flossie Marshall Walker. He married Jane Varacalli in l947. She survives. Mr. Walker retired in l988 from Norge/Maytag after 41 years He was the manufacturing, repairs and office buyer. He was a member of Norge Quarter Century Club. He was a World War II Army veteran and served in Germany as lst Sgt. He was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal, the Europe - African-Middle Eastern Theater. He was a former member of the Herrin Volunteer Police Force. He was a past commander of the Herrin American Legion Post No. 645. He served as quartermaster of the Herrin VFW Post l567 for many years and was a VFW member. He was of the Catholic faith. He was an accomplished furniture maker and enjoyed creating wood crafts. He was an avid sportsman and loved fishing. Survivors include: His wife - Jane Walker - Herrin Daughter and son in law - Pamela & Michael Eads - Indianapolis, IN Son and fianc - Gregory Allen Walker And Diane Jo Natzel - Minneapolis, MN Granddaughter - Amanda Jane Eads - Evansville, IN Granddaughter - Gina Lee Walker - Johnston City, IL Brother and sister in law - Carl and Marilyn Walker -Herrin Sister - Pat Garavaglia - Herrin Sister in law - Isabella Calcaterra - Herrin Sister in law - Amelia Hadfield- Azusa, CA Brother in law - and sister in law - Paul & Sandy Varacalli - Sacramento, CA Several nieces and nephews and their families Scot and Leigh Walker and son Alex - Ballwin, MO Mike Walker - Ballwin, MO Chylene & Bill May and daughters Pamela Woody and Andrea Burgraff, Michele and Randy Shoemake and daughters Nicole and Jenny, Paula and Bill Rose and children Billy, Joey and Katie and Michael Varacalli all of California and John and Deborah Calcaterra and daughters Megan and Lindsey of Freeburg, IL Edward and Kathy Calcaterra and children Rachel and Paul of Herrin and Mark Garavaglia of Anna. Special cousins - May Noakes and Virginia Lee Arnold - Carterville He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Flossie (Marshall) Walker, three brothers in law, Bob Hadfield, John "Curly" Calcaterra and Bill Garavaglia. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September l4, 2001 at Johnson Hughes Funeral Home. Msg. Ken Schaefer will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. A Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on September l3, 2001 on Thursday. Burial will be at San Carlo Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Herrin VFW and American Legion Posts. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to OLMC Church, OLMC School Foundation or Cabbrini Hall or San Carlo Cemetery and will be accepted at Johnson Hughes Funeral Home