Ira J. Walker

Ira J. Walker, 86, of North Vernon, formerly of Butlerville passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the Lutheran Community Home in Seymour. He was born at Somerset in Pulaski County, Kentucky on September 4, 1928 the son of Byron and Lula Pittman Walker. Survivors include three daughters Lana Walker, Judy (Robert) Ertel, and Sherry (Bert) Shaw all of North Vernon; 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; one sister Gwen Morgan of North Vernon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Faye Foster, and his brother Eugene Walker. Mr. Walker was a retired farmer and had worked for 32 years for Arvins in maintenance and tooling. In his younger years Ira was an accomplished baseball player and was called up by the Cincinnati Reds, but was unable to answer that call as he was drafted into the Army. He served during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954 and rose to the rank of sergeant. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28 at 4pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mike Cantrell of the Versailles Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Saturday from 2pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of Jennings County or the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home.