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Michael Walker

May 4, 1985 - July 9, 2015
Paw Paw, MI

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Visitation

Friday, July 17, 2015
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Paw Paw Location
60900 Michigan 40
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-3870
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, July 18, 2015
2:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Paw Paw Location
60900 Michigan 40
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-3870
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Children's Education Fund c/o Crystal Walker
60900 M-40
Paw Paw, MI 49079

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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All who knew Michael Walker would agree that he brought the world around him to life. He was hardworking and free-spirited, the sort of person who was willing to try new things, and his devotion to the people and things he believed in was unmatched. A devoted husband and father, Mike looked at life through the eyes of his children, and it is so amazing how his son looks just like him in so many ways and how is little princess had him wrapped around her little finger. As his family and friends can attest, he had a huge heart and was as generous as they come. Mike was highly intelligent to the point where it could be difficult for him to explain things in a way that others could understand. Although he will be deeply missed, he will be forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love him.

The 1980s were a decade unlike any other. Technology was advancing at an alarming rate, transforming our lives in new and exciting ways. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great anticipation in the lives of James and Denise Walker as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as spring covered Michigan, in all her beauty in May of 1985. The big day finally arrived on May 4th when the baby boy they named Michael David, drew his first breath. He was the third of four boys in his family and was raised primarily in the Bloomingdale and South Haven communities alongside his brothers, Ryan, Craig and Tyler.

In many ways Michael, or Mike as he was usually known, was a cute and highly spirited boy who experienced an upbringing that was typical for young boys of his generation. The Walker boys were all born within five years and his mom loved every minute of it. Mike loved being outdoors and got into fishing, but he was always just all about nature. He and his brothers spent all day Saturday in front of the television, watching cartoons or the National Geographic channel - all in their underwear! Although Mike only occasionally played video games, he did enjoy watching his brothers play and was very animated in his encouragement! He attended local schools, graduating from Bloomingdale High School in 2004.

Not to be forgotten during his years in high school was Mike’s introduction to the girl who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Crystal. They began dating in 2008, and on March 27, 2009, they were married at the Paw Paw courthouse. After a few days in Chicago on a honeymoon, the newlyweds came back to their newly purchased home and this is where they were raising their five year old son, Elisha, and their two year old daughter, Meya.

After high school he earned his associate’s degree in science from Lake Michigan College, and he spent two years working as a lab technician at MPI in Mattawan. Mike then worked as a lab technician/Test plot supervisor for the Michigan Blueberry Grower Association for about four years, and he loved his work. With his strong work ethic, Mike worked outside of the home, which allowed Crystal to stay home with their two children. He was also licensed as both a mechanic and in pesticides. Mike was always willing to help family members with their cars or to use his skills to help with just about anything.

First and foremost in Mike’s life was always his loved ones. As a father he was very active in the lives of his children, and he loved nothing more than wrestling and playing around with them. Always up for adventure, Mike loved taking his family on random trips such as up to the Traverse City or Petoskey area where they did plenty of sightseeing and exploring. Being a nature loving handyman, he also liked teaching his kids various things about nature. Mike was usually the one to man the grill, and he also made tasty chicken curry.

A man of many interests, Mike was one to keep busy. He played soccer in his younger years and took construction through the Van Buren Technology Center while in high school. A music enthusiast, he loved techno music and blaring his music on car stereos, some might even say it was too loud! Mike enjoyed playing both card games and board games with his family and friends, but whatever they were doing it didn’t really matter as long as his family was by his side. Mike liked bonfires and riding his quad on his property as well as riding his bike on the Kal Haven Trail. He had quite an impressive tool collection and loved talking about his tools to anyone who would listen. Mike was a fan of Disney and Pixar movies. When it came to his favorite foods he liked anything ridiculously spicy as well as showing off what happens after eating it! Rockstar energy drinks and coffee was a must throughout his day. He enjoyed trying different craft beers, but he also liked his standby, Coors Light.

A devoted family man, loyal friend, and generous man, Michael Walker was an extraordinary man to know and love. He could accomplish nearly anything he set his mind to, yet he was also a gooofball who was forever coming up with crazy things to do and trying to make people laugh. Although he had a lot of muscle, Mike also had a kind heart. Mike will never be forgotten. Mike was a spiritual person who had been attending the Jehovah’s Witness church in Paw Paw.

Michael David Walker, of Paw Paw, died on July 9, 2015. Mike’s family includes his wife, Crystal; son - Elisha; daughter - Meya; mother, Denise (Richard) Van Laten; brothers, Ryan (Candice) Walker and Craig (Melody) Walker; grandmother, Marie Walker; grandparents, Marlin and Mary Voisard; stepsister, Patricia Gurley; and in-laws, Penny Rose and Clyde Gentry, Jr. Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Tyler Walker; father, James Walker; grandmother, Marion Hoover; and grandfather, Hal Walker. Memorials can be made to his children’s Ed fund c/o Crystal Walker. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.

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