Gordon Ralph Walker
October 25, 1943 - January 10, 2011

Honorable, patriotic, respectable and a family man best describes Gordon Butch Walker. He had a longtime career in the military and served his community as a respected businessman, but found the greatest joy in the presence of his loved ones. Butch understood the value of hard work and knew how to persevere through difficult circumstances, but family was always his first priority.

The world was not a very safe place in 1943. World War II showed little signs of abatement as more and more U.S. troops shipped out for the European continent. At the same time, thousands of women stood united and labored to keep domestic industries running full steam. It was a time of unity, patriotism and hope. For Neal Walker, a draftsman, and his wife, Irene (Gurden), life was much simpler. They lived a modest life in Muskegon, Michigan with their children: Winifred, Monte, Roger and Roberta. On October 25, 1943, the couple was proud to announce the birth of their son, Gordon. Their youngest son, Dean, soon followed, rounding out their household with six children.

Butch, as he was called, led a typical childhood of the time. He attended Carr Elementary School in East Muskegon, and spent much of his leisure time fishing, swimming and enjoying family picnics. He and his sister, Roberta, were close pals growing up, and even defended the other in a fight, if necessary. As a teenager, Butch had some good buddies he liked hanging out with, including Al Barber, Jim Baker and Jackie Zok. Among his family, Butch was known to be quite a joker, who liked picking on family members, though he didnt like when the tables were turned. Having fun was something he knew how to do, like when he broke his brothers kitchen table while playing spoons.

Like many young men of the time, Butch left Muskegon High School before graduating to enlist in the U.S. Marines; however, while in the service, he earned his school diploma. After completing boot camp in San Diego, California, Butch was stationed in Hawaii for a time before being shipped overseas to Vietnam and Okinawa, Japan. He also corriored over to the Philippines on occasion. Butch was a career military man and proudly served for over 20 years in the Marines, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.

In his early years in the service, while home on a furlough, Butch and a friend went out drinking in Montague, so much so that they were seen talking to the tires on their car in the parking lot. This happened to catch the eye of a young lady named Carolyn Tyrrell and she decided to got meet these young jarheads. It wasnt long before Carolyn and Butch were out for a drive together (Carolyn driving of course), and their love story had begun. After a whirlwind courtship of 4 months, the two were happily married on Valentines Day, 1964. The newlyweds didnt have much time to settle into married life together before they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Laura, on November 15th of that same year.

Being a military man meant that Butch had to move to different bases, leading the family to live in Virginia, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, California and Michigan. Once out of the service in 1981, Butch pursued a higher education attending Muskegon Community College and earning an Associates Degree in Business. Later, he also attended Grand Valley State University for a time, but only completed a semester because of health issues. Butch put his college degree to good use as a Loan Officer at First of America (which later became National City Bank), but it wasnt long before he had worked his way up to Vice President of Commercial Loans. Aside from business, Butch was a man dedicated to his family. He spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving husband and father, succeeding in providing the best for his family. For Butch, family was the greatest source of happiness in his life. He looked forward to every family reunion and holiday get together, and took several trips out west to Washington State to visit his brother. A loyal brother and friend, Butch could always be counted on in any situation, and was a strong shoulder to lean on.

After retiring from NCB, Butch found that he wasnt one to be idle so he started working part-time as a rep man at Al Perri Furniture and also at Community Shores Bank as a courier. Butch was active in his community too, as a member and former president of Muskegon Heights Optimist, and a member of D.A.V. Chapter 11 in Muskegon. When it came to his leisure time, he enjoyed playing games on the computer, recording music and cheering on the Detroit Tigers while watching a game. Over the years, he also had many opportunities to travel, and shared many great stories of his adventures.

All who knew and loved Butch will treasure his memory.

Gordon R. Walker, age 67, died on Monday, January 10, 2011, in the ICU at Hackley Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn; daughter, Laura McDonnell of Muskegon; 2 grandchildren, Jessica McDonnell, Guy McDonnell II; 2 great grandchildren, Audriann Bowles, Jorgia Bowles; 2 brothers, Roger (Barb) Walker, Monte (Marilyn) Walker; and 2 sisters, Winifred (Harvey) Berry, Roberta (James) Marsh. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Dean.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 17, at 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans and the Marine Corp Honor Guard. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. Visitation is on Sunday, January 16, from 2-5 p.m. and Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Please visit Gordons personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you may share a memory or sign his online guest book.

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