OLMSTED, Ill. -- Gene Robert Walker, 77, of Olmsted died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2003, at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion, Ill.

He was born Sept. 28, 1926, in Granger, Ind., son of George and Bernice Cripe Walker. He and Mary Hancock were married July 10, 1950.

Walker was a retired carpenter. He was a member of Christian Community Ministries in Villa Ridge, Ill.

He served with the Seabees in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; a sister, Norma Dowell of Berrian Springs, Mich.; and a niece raised in the home, Mary Little of Olmsted.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home in Ullin, Ill., from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ralph Kaufman officiating. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery.