William Daniel Walker age 89, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

He was born April 1, 1928, to the late Emery Walker and Eliezer Peebles in Thieves, Arkansas. He accepted Christ at an early age became a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in McGhee, AR. He was educated in the Ashley County School System.

“WD” relocated to Waukegan, Illinois in September of 1951; was employed at Wesley Tuner Automotive as an auto detailer. He rededicated his life to Christ united with Mt Sinai MB Church in IL. He was successful in his pursuit of a career in gospel singing as a recording artist. He shared the stage in gospel singing with the late recording artist Sam Cook. He was a well-known gospel singer with the Gospel Trumpets of Waukegan, Il as well as the Professional Gospel Singers Group.

In 1952 he went from detailing automobiles to manufacturing automobiles. “Walker” was employed by Nash Motors, aka AMC / Chrysler Motors; former member of Local #72, United Auto Workers until his retirement. He blazed a trail for so many other family members to follow.

In 1954 he united in marriage to his first wife Willie Mae Lovett on October 20^TH in Waukegan, IL. In November of 1954 they relocated to Kenosha, WI. With this union eight children were conceived. In 1998 he was united in marriage to his second wife Rosa Lee Hudson on December 24^TH in Kenosha, WI. With this union five step children were added to the Walker Family.

He was an advocate raccoon hunter who loved training his dogs. At age 13 WD’s father-in-law Luke gave him his first shot gun.

He leaves to cherish his memories; three daughters, eight sons, one daughter-in-law, and four step children; Helen Graham of Detroit MI, Evelyn Neal of Kenosha, WI, Eliezer Griffin of Seattle WA, Lionel Walker of Kenosha, WI, George Walker of McGhee, AR, William Daniel Walker Jr. (“Trixie”/Algertha) of, Zion, IL, Emery Walker of Las Vegas, NA, Stanley Hudson of Cleveland, OH, Randoff Walker of Menasha, WI, Kenneth Walker of Las Vegas, NA, and Michael Jackson of Kenosha, WI.; twenty three grandchildren, thirty eight great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Service Info

Home Going Services Honoring WD’s life will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11:00am at Solid Rock Baptist Church (1411 25th Ave). Interment will follow in Green Ridge Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00am until the time of service.