GRANITE CITY, Ill. -- Walker Charles William Ervin, 77, of Granite City passed away Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at his second home in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Walker was born March 4, 1939, in Cape Girardeau, a son of the late William Lewis and Gurneth Mammon Ervin.

Walker graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1956 and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

On Nov. 1, 1959, Walker married Charlotte Stovall, the love of his life, in Cape Girardeau.

Walker retired from the U.S. Army as a chief warrant officer after 28 years of dedicated service.

He was a faithful member of Nameoki United Methodist Church in Granite City. He was a liturgist on Sundays and served on many committees at the church, including helping with the church's barbecue.

He was also a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau and a life member of the Military Officers Association.

Walker loved fly fishing; he even worked part-time at a fly-fishing store in Cape Girardeau after his retirement. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. Walker loved life and loved to laugh, but most of all he loved his family. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Walker was preceded in death by one brother in infancy, Linder Ervin; father-in-law, Willis Stovall; mother-in-law, Jettie Stovall; three brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; and two nephews.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Charlotte Ervin of Granite City; loving daughter, Judi Ervin of Seattle; sister, Neva Kay Ross of Cape Girardeau; sister-in-law, Wilma Large of Granite City; two brothers-in-law, Willard (Pam) Stovall of Jackson and Michael (Judy) Stovall of Ligonier, Pennsylvania; 15 nieces and nephews; 28 great-nieces and -nephews; 10 great-great-nieces and -nephews; cousins; extended family; and many friends.

In celebration of his life, a memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Nameoki United Methodist Church, 1900 Pontoon Road in Granite City, with pastor Mike Rayson officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army after the memorial service.

Memorial donations may be given to Nameoki United Methodist Church in Granite City.

Irwin Chapel of Granite City is in charge of arrangements.