DeVern “Dee” Walker, 86, of Dowagiac, died at his home Wednesday morning July 21, 2010.

Dee was born Jan. 5, 1924, to Earl and Margaret (Cunningham) Walker in Paw Paw.

He graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1942.

At a young age, Dee pedaled ice for Walker Ice Co., a family business.

He worked for Clark Equipment in Benton Harbor.

He served his country in the Army/Air Corps from 1942 to 1946.

After his return he married Dorothy Watson on June 23, 1946, in Lawrence.

He was a life member of Dowagiac Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1855.

Dee is survived by: his wife Dorothy of Dowagiac; son Bob (Debra) Walker of Cassopolis; daughter Vicki (Bob) Walker-Archer of Cassopolis; four grandchildren, Jodie Walker, Julie Mack, Bobby Archer and Mary Cook; two great grandchildren; and a sister, Margaret Mangold of Dowagiac.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Yazel and Clark Chapel.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Yazel and Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with burial to follow at Hill Cemetery in Lawrence with military rites conducted. Memorials may be made to Dowagiac VFW Post 1855. Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so at www.yazel-clark.com.