Philip "Jerry" Walker

Philip Jerrold “Jerry” Walker, 95, of Harbor Springs, died May 26, 2025

Jerry was born on July 21, 1929, in Pontiac, Michigan. He is the son of Philip K. and Catherine V. (McDonough) Walker. He grew up in Berkley with his two brothers and three sisters forming bonds that remained strong throughout his life.

He graduated from Elkton High School where he was the star football player. Jerry enlisted in the United State Marine Corp in 1948. He proudly served as a sea going Marine aboard the USS Philippine Sea during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

Following his military service, he returned to Michigan and worked as an officer for the Birmingham police Department. He enrolled in the Michigan State Police Recruit school. After graduation he was posted at Ypsilanti, Petoskey, Bridgeport, and returned to the Petoskey post where he retired in 1981.

On May 16, 1957, Jerry married the love of his life, Nancy Alice Marshall. Together they raised three children and shared more than 67 devoted years of marriage.

He loved his horses and miniature schnauzer, Lucy. He also enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, riding horses, reading, and his daily cigars. He loved to be outside, whether shoveling snow or tending to his lawn. He also enjoyed sports; Red Wings hockey, Lions football and especially Tigers baseball.

He was actively involved with the American Legion, Marine Corp League, and Amway. He was instrumental in the Toys for Tots campaign. The garage would be filled with boxes of toys for distribution to northern Michigan families. This cause was close to his heart as a Marine and a lifelong believer in the joy of giving.

Jerry is survived by his children James M. (Laura) Walker and Susan E. Walker; grandchildren McColl Walker, Marshall Walker, Will (Heather) Walker, Melissa (Nate) Littlefield, Amanda (Ben) Smolinski, and Lyndsay Walker; siblings Jim Walker, Mick (Jackie) Walker, Linda LaFave, and Mary Nelson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy; their son Christopher K. Walker; and sister Kay Eisengruber.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church in Harbor Springs on June 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior to Mass. Burial with military honors will take place immediately following at Holy Childhood Cemetery.

Donations in Jerry’s memory are asked to be directed to Toys for Tots (toysfortots.org) 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Philip "Jerry" Walker, please visit our floral store.