Benjamin "Ben" N. Walker

Benjamin N. Walker of Freeland, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw. He was 80 years old. Benjamin Norris Walker was born on April 11, 1940, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Norris and Edith (Scaife) Walker. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1958 and married Rosemary Lynne Curry on May 7, 1960 at Freeland United Methodist Church. Ben honorably served his country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne, which included service in Germany while the Berlin Wall was erected - forcing Rosemary and all servicemember’s dependents home for safety. Ben then served in the Michigan National Guard’s Company F (Ranger Airborne LRS) 425th Infantry Regiment, ultimately retiring as a 1SG (First Sergeant) with 27 honorable years of service. He was a jumpmaster with nearly 150 jumps and received numerous awards and commendations throughout his military career.

Ben retired from General Motors - Delphi as a skilled trades tool inspector with 31 successful years. He was a charter and faithful member of Swan Valley United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 468 in St. Charles and the United Auto Workers Union. As a young man, Ben enjoyed snowmobile racing and skiing. He also enjoyed hunting, boating, and the peacefulness of fishing. Ben also had a passion for Michigan State Spartan sports. Attending every home football game with his wife Rosemary for over 20 years. Above all, he loved and cherished the time he spent with his family. Ben will forever be remembered for his patriotism and the love and care he provided to those he loved.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Rosemary Lynne Walker of Freeland; son, Ben Walker and his girlfriend, Erin Meadows of Ortonville; son-in-law, Ron (Chris) Kinne of Livonia; two grandchildren: Sam and Delaney Kinne of Livonia; nephew, Kyle (Deanna) Curtis of Ionia; sister-in-law, Debbie (Ron) Mason of Ionia; and brother-in-law, Jim Curry, also of Ionia. Also surviving are many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Terri Kinne.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, August 2, 2020, at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 201 N. Miller Road. Rev. Robert Richard will officiate. Military Honors and burial will follow at Owen Cemetery under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post 468. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Swan Valley United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #468, or the Parkinson Research Foundation.