Byron C. Walker, 76, passed away October 14, 2026, peacefully in his sleep.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave, Rock Island, Illinois, with the recitation of the Rosary at 3:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the funeral home with military honors presented. 

Byron was born September 10, 1950, to Rex and Shirley Walker. He graduated from Hebron High School in 1968 and was in the army serving in Vietnam. He later worked at the Rock Island Arsenal before retiring. He married Margaret (Peg) DePauw on August 22, 1981. Their favorite place to vacation was Lake Kabetogama, Minnesota, and they made many trips there with "a plan" to catch fish. 

Byron's pride and joy were his children and his grandchildren. As a star athlete in high school, he was confident his kids would never be in the band, choir, or theater, yet he never missed a performance as his kids were in the band, choir and countless theater productions. His grandchildren came along when he needed them most. He babysat for his oldest grandson for a year once he turned four months old. Byron will be remembered for his ability to fix almost anything. He loved fishing, golfing, and coaching his daughter's softball team to a 21 - 0 season. He spent many hours on soccer and baseball fields watching his grandchildren play their sports. 

Byron is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret (Peg), his son, Jake (Barbara) Walker, his daughter, Sarah (Adam) Lounsberry, and his beloved grandchildren, Jack and Mara Lounsberry, and Evan and Nate Barnell. His brothers, Mark and Adam (Tracey); his sisters, Rexayne (Tony) and Sarah; brothers- and sister-in-law, Joe and Bob (Pam) DePauw and Rosemary (Ed) Osborn; many nieces and nephews, and his Uncle Harry Livingston. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Julian & Jeanette DePauw, his sister-in-law, Marilyn DePauw, his brother-in-law, Eddie DePauw, and his niece, Rachel. 

Memorials may be made to the family or to the Rockridge High School Music Department.