Mr. Elmer Walker was born October 26, 1937, in Preston, Mississippi to Issac and Rosa Quinn Walker. He married Vodell Nicholson in 1959 which they produced two sons, Erich and Errol born to their union. Following his marriage, he committed to his life partner, Janice Bryson.

He attended school in Preston Mississippi before relocating to the Quad Cities where he had the opportunity to showcase his love for cooking as a chef at Bishop’s Buffet, Bettendorf, IA and as Head Chef of El Rancho Village, Bettendorf, IA. After which, he accepted a position at the Rock Island Arsenal; where he retired as a crane operator after 30 years of service.

Brother Walker was a 50-year member of Progressive Baptist Church, where he served as head of the culinary ministry. He was honored to lead this ministry, as he was able to use his passion for cooking to feed not only his brothers and sisters in Christ, but the community and various organizations as well.

In his leisure time, Elmer enjoyed sports, taking extra delight in watching Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors play basketball. Throughout his life he had an active passion for his automobiles and vehicles. He was an avid traveler, who enjoyed adventures throughout the United Sates with several trips to New York, California, and Mississippi with his family. He stayed true to his Mississippi roots by staying connected through his gardening, landscaping, and lawncare service. Mr. Walker was a man of few words, but when he spoke, he spoke with profound wisdom. He was undoubtedly a man of great integrity, and his actions always spoke louder than his words. One of the ways he showed his love in action was through his lawncare business. He took immense pride for many years and offered his impeccable landscaping services at little to no cost to the elderly, sick and shut-in, and the disabled. A true standard of what a kind, honorable, and loving man should aspire to be.  

He will be remembered for his infectious smile that he always displayed upon greeting family, friends, and strangers. Mr. Walker will always be remembered for his warm, joyful, and earthy laugh. His Mississippi style of catch phrases such as, “it’s a sunny day in July” even if it was a snowy day in December. Or he would say, “if you see me coming, you better not let me in.” That will forever remain a vibrant memory to all who had the opportunity to have a conversation with him.

His greatest legacy to live on through his family is the importance of integrity, strength, honesty, wisdom, generosity, commitment, and kindness. His family will forever be honored to be the fruits of his branches, as he stood as a giant tree deeply rooted in many admirable attributes. Even as his health declined him, he continued to show his beloved family acts of love by cooking and offering his wisdom and profound knowledge.

On July 31, 2024, God called Elmer to his heavenly home. He leaves to cherish wonderful memories of a well lived life by his son, Erich Walker of Brooklyn, NY ( Tina), his lifetime partner, Janice Bryson of Davenport, IA; one brother, Joe  Louis Walker of Vandalia, MO (Dianne); four grandchildren Ryan Walker (Brittany), Keyunna Pulliam, Noah Walker, and Brayden Walker; two great-grandchildren Bryan Walker and Ava Walker; along with numerous  nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Errol D. Walker; sisters, Sarah Grady, Frances Flowers, Lillian Jones, and Lolita Jones; brothers James Walker, Guy Walker, John D. Walker, Thaddeus Walker, and Clifton Walker; his grandparents John and Sarah Gillespie and parents Isaac and Rosa Walker.

Elmer’s legacy left an indelible mark on all who were blessed to be in the presence of his goodness and kindness acts of love. A job well done!