Army Sgt. Earl Walker participated in World War II combat; was wounded three times in European battles; earned eight medals including a Purple Heart for his actions before returning home in 1945.
Following the war Walker settled down to civilian life raised three children, worked at General Motors in Pontiac and resided in Brandon Township from 1967 to 1991. He later moved to Auburn Hills with his wife Bonnie where he resided until his death on April 27, 2003.
Just prior to his death arrangements for his burial was discussed, says Bonnie.
‘Earl and I talked about burial,? said Bonnie, 62, a Goodrich native and Ortonville High School graduate. Bob Wilk of Sherman-Wilk Funeral Home in Ortonville suggested we consider the new Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. It was not open at the time but we figured it would be soon.?
Following Earl’s death, the family decided it would be fitting for him to be buried along with other veterans. Although completion of the cemetery was delayed for more than a year, on Oct. 28 Earl will be one of the first few hundred veterans buried at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.
‘I knew he would like to be buried there with the veterans, I knew there was a cemetery under construction. We thought it would be last year,? she said.
‘Sometimes veterans get forgotten when they’re older. Earl almost gave up his life for his county–it’s a way he can be remembered.?
Walker was just one of nearly 460,000 veterans within 75 miles of the Oakland County area according to James Goldsmith, assistant director of the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.
‘The new 544-acre cemetery will serve their needs for the next 50 years,? said Goldsmith, a Vietnam Veteran. We buried about 57 the first week–right now 240 are back-logged.?
‘When people first come to the National Cemetery they won’t see a real pretty place,? he said. “But give us a year and we’ll have a first class shrine, not just a cemetery. A place where veterens receive the respect and dignity they deserve–for the freedoms we enjoy today.?
In October 2003, the Department of Veterans Affairs purchased the site from the Fagan Lake Development Corporation. The previous owner, the Horton family, had kept the property for more than 160 years. The property was sold for $6 million. At a cost of $8.5 million the first phase of a total of five phases is nearing completion. The finial phase should be completed by 2032.
This new cemetery is the second national cemetery in Michigan. The other national cemetery is Ft. Custer near Battle Creek.
‘The Great Lakes National Cemetery will proved space for about 180,000,? said Goldsmith. And is just one of 122 national cemeteries in the nation.?
Sandra Deneen, a Brandon Township resident and daughter of Earl Walker says her father spoke very little regarding his war experiences but feels he’ll love this honor.
‘It’s a little piece of history and it’s important to my children? said Sandra Deneen, Brandon Township resident and daughter of Earl Walker.
‘What a fitting tribute. My father did not like the attention, but he belongs there. It’s a fitting place. He was not an extra-ordinary man, other then he did raise his family, he did go to war was wounded and returned. It’s a monument to him.?
Born in 1924 and a native of Hensley W.V., Earl Walker shipped out to Casablanca, Africa served in Company I, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division. He earned the Bronze Arrowhead, Croix DeGuerre with Palm, Distinguished Unit badge, Eastern Service ribbon, European African Middle, Good Conduct medal, and the World War II Victory ribbon.