Willard Russell Walker, 95, of Du Quoin, passed away at 10:14 P.M., Saturday, March 14, 2026 at his residence.
Russ had been a pilot.  He was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of NRA and AOPA (Aircraft Owners Pilots Association).  Russ began life on the homestead as a farm boy.  He attended Shakerag Grade School and Du Quoin Township High School.  Russ then entered the United States Marine Corp in the 1950's.  After his service to his country, Russ worked in the copper pits in Colorado and Arizona.  While in Arizona, he joined the National Guard. Russ then moved to California to work a civil service job for Lockheed Martin, where he loaded payload for the Thor-Agena missiles during the Cold War.  Russ then bought into Northside Airport - California and worked as a crop duster and flight instructor.  While still in California, Russ became a fire bomber for forest fires.  He was a crop duster in Imperial Valley, CA for Marr Aviation and then seasonally in Wisconsin for Reabe Aviation.  Russ retired to Du Quoin, IL in 2013.  His great passions in life were being a pilot and traveling the United States.
He was born April 1, 1930 in Pinckneyville, IL, the son of William S. and Eva L. (Kennedy) Walker.
He is survived by his daughter - Victoria Walker of Du Quoin, two grandsons - Russell N. Cooley of Tamaroa and Robert John Cooley of Albuquerque, NM, five great grandchildren - Logan Cooley, Leigh Cooley, Lainey Cooley, Robert Cooley, and Aiden Cooley, one great great grandchild - Bennett Cooley, one sister - Mary Jane Summers of Benton, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings - William Walker, Ruth McCauley, Jerry Walker, and Betty Schmidgall.
Graveside services will be at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Cudgetown Cemetery in Du Quoin, IL with Kevin Place officiating.
Those attending the service are asked to go directly to the cemetery.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and United State Marine Corps.
Burial will be in the Cudgetown Cemetery in Du Quoin, IL.
There will be a gathering for family and friends at the WD following the service.
Friends may make memorials to Cudgetown Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.