Obituary of Veryl Lester Walker

Walker, Veryl Lester 1931-2023

Veryl Lester Walker, age 91, of Linwood Michigan, died on November 13, 2023 at McLaren Medical Center, Bay City after a brief illness. “Les” was born in St. Charles Michigan to the late Veryl Milton Walker and Mildred Gertrude (Buckey) Walker on December 10, 1931. He grew up in Bay City on Lauria Road with 8 brother and sisters.  He enlisted in the army at the age of 17 (with permission from his parents) and entered the Korean War. He served until 1952 achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant.  He spent some time as a POW, earned an Army commendation, the Silver and Bronze stars, a Korean Campaign ribbon, and the Purple Heart.

In 1964, Les became a deputy with the Bay County Sheriff’s Department until his retirement in 1989. He was proud to serve as deputy, and later detective, with integrity and professionalism.
Then, after retirement, he opened Blue Knight Foods in Bay City.

In addition to his parents, Les was predeceased by his brothers Leland, Albert, and Michael Walker, his sisters Ermal Oswald, Dorothy Miller, and Marsha Klosowski, and an infant daughter Peggy Ann.
Les is survived by his wife of 39 years, Anita (Merritt) Walker;  brother Ronald Walker of Bay City, and sister Lynda Rabadue of Kawkawlin; children Glen Walker of Metamora, Dawn (Mark) Dunn of Troy, and Dana (Donald) Schwab of Midland; step-children Theresa Strait of Bay City, Yvonne (Mike) Bell of Saginaw, Jacquiline Rily of Owosso, and Gerald (Julie) LaFlure of Bay City; 24 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Les enjoyed spending time at his properties in Lupton and Rose City, as well as many hunting trips with family. In addition, many winters were spent on Florida beaches.
He always looked for ways to help those who needed a hand, and treated his friends like family. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 Noon, January 8, 2024, at Joppa-Wenona Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, 200 E. John Street, Bay City. The family will receive visitors prior to the church from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com   Arrangements made through Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan.

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