Walter L. Pelker, Sr., 84, of Scheller, passed away at 3:40 P.M., Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon, IL.
Walter had been a delivery driver for UPS from 1968 until he retired in 2000 after thirty-two years.  Earlier in his life, he was employed at Obear-Nester Glass Company in East St. Louis, where he worked for nine years.  There he met his wife.  He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and Grand Knight for five years at Council 4476 in Du Bois.  Walter was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Du Bois.
He was born October 3, 1940 at home in Du Bois, IL, the son of Walter E. and Mary H. (Hester) Pelker.  Walter E. Pelker was killed in the Centralia Coal Mine in 1947 and Mary married Robert Buckman.
He married Patricia Hatzel on May 30, 1961 at St. Martin of Tours Church in Washington Park, IL and she survives.  Walter and Pat lived in Washington Park until they moved to Scheller in 1972.
He is survived by his wife of Du Bois, one daughter - Mary C. Roberson of Brighton, IL, two sons -Walter L. Pelker, Jr. and wife Karen of Scheller and James M. Pelker of Scheller, grandchildren - Elizabeth Santiago, Breanne Pelker, and Kiley Kosydor, great grandchildren - Aiden Santiago, Maddox Santiago, Cyrus Santiago, Ariella Santiago, and Westin Kosydor.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step father.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 10, 2025 at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Du Bois with Fr. Oliver Nwachukwu officiating.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 P.M., Sunday at the church and from 9A.M. until the time of service on Monday at the church.
Burial will be in the St. Charles Cemetery in Du Bois, IL.
Friends may make memorials to Masses, St. Charles Catholic Church or St. Charles Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa is in charge of arrangements.