William D. 'Don' Walker, 90

SEAFORD - William D. "Don" Walker, of Seaford, passed from this life to the next on Friday, March 16, 2007, in Seaford. He was 90.

Mr. Walker graduated from Vandergrift High School, where he was a star athlete in football, basketball and boxing. He then attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., graduating with a degree in chemical engineering and as president of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

He began employment with the Dupont Co. in 1939 as one of the original group of engineers initiating the production of nylon in Seaford, a major and critical contribution to the World War II effort. He worked for DuPont for 40 years in Seaford, Camden, S.C., and Chestnut Run, Wilmington, retiring in 1979.

During his retirement, Mr. Walker was able to follow his longstanding interest in the Revolutionary and Civil wars. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Civil War Round Table, and his children had to read every historical marker between South Carolina and western Pennsylvania.

He also had a deep interest in what he believed to be the sorry state of public education and corresponded with state legislative members, newspapers and many private citizens regarding his views. He made several trips to Dover to state his piece to the state legislature.

Mr. Walker was passionate about classical music from childhood to the day he died. He was a kind and gentle man who loved his family and loved life. He will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel M. Morrison and Royden H. Walker; two sisters; two brothers; a niece; and a nephew.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anita (Jones) Walker, formerly of Cambridge, Md. Also surviving are his daughters, Donna Lee Stike of Nottingham, Pa., and Patricia W. Fox of Winchester, Va.; two sons, R.E. "Scott" Walker of Wilmington, and U.S. Air Force Maj. William J. Walker, MD, of Tucson, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; a niece, Deborah Cohen of Dorothy, N.J.; and his wild Jack Russell terrier, Jack.

There will be a visitation from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Front and King streets, Seaford.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice Inc., 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.