Francis H. Walker, 90, of Belvidere, IL, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015 in Belvidere, IL. He was born on March 25, 1925 to John and Pearl Walker, on their 140 acre farmstead near Mohawk, TN. He attended Mountain Valley School. He had a hard life growing up in Greene County, TN. The family had no electricity until the late 1940's. Water was obtained from a spring until later years when a well was dug. There was never water in the house or a bathroom in the house. Food was cooked on a stove fueled by wood. Baths were taken in a metal tub. Francis helped the family in growing tobacco, peanuts, watermelons, and sugar cane. In the family garden, potatoes, turnips, onion, carrots, green beans, tomatoes and lettuce, were grown.

Francis had to start his working career at a young age. He first worked in a canning factory in Whitesburg, TN. He had to catch a ride from a neighbor because the family did not own a car. He then worked at Oak Ridge, which was an atomic energy plant. While there, he lived in a barrack along with other employees.

Francis served in the Navy, as a Seabee, from Oct. 24, 1944 to July 15, 1946. He was stationed in the Mariana Islands. He returned to Belvidere after being discharged. Other family members had moved to Belvidere by that time. He met his future wife, Gertrude Walberg, through mutual friends, in 1946. They were married on August 1, 1947.

In his adult life, Francis worked at Belvidere Elevator, Central Rubber Co, Belvidere National Sewing Machine, Barber Coleman and Sundstrand Corporation. He retired from Sundstrand in 1985.

Francis was a well accomplished handyman. After living with Gertrude's parents the first year of their marriage, Francis and Gertrude built their first home on W. Harrison St., in 1948. They began raising 5 children, in that home. When it became too small, Francis helped to build their second home, in 1958, across town, with the Washington Elementary School, as their backyard. Gertrude taught kindergarten there for many years. They raised 5 children, Linda, Larry, Lon, Lyle, and Loren.

Francis was a lifetime member of VFW Post 1461. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #60, earning his 50 year pin, in 2009.

Francis was always there to help out one of the children. He loved going to FL during the winter months, with his wife after their retirement in 1985. He loved his orange trees. Their first FL winter home was in Eustis. They later moved to Winter Haven, FL. Their daughter, Linda, joined them in 2003, when she became their full-time caregiver. Francis was a wonderful grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved the little ones and they always put a smile on his face, when they came to visit. They always brought him such joy. Francis and Gertrude were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Survivors include sister, Aileen Brown of Greeneville, TN; daughter and caregiver, Linda Ball of Belvidere, Larry (Joanne) Walker of Inverness, FL, Lon Walker and Lyle (Dorothy) Walker of Belvidere, 10 grandchildren and their spouses, and 10 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Gertrude, son, Loren, his parents, John and Pearl, infant granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Ball, brothers, Bernie, J.A., and Ira, and sister, Marie White, five half-brothers and sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, May 18, 2015 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008 with Rev. Scott Nellis officiating. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Belvidere Cemetery. To light a candle or share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.