The world is now a little quieter. On Wednesday, July 26th, one of it's loudest and funniest voices, Daniel J. Walker, died after 62 years entertaining his family, friends and often - total strangers.

Dan was born in Texas back in 1954, but luckily, he didn't stay there long. (No offense Texas, we're just glad he moved on.) He moved around quite a bit as a kid, but spent most of his school years in Springfield, MO. At the same time, a young lady named Gloria Bushong was going to schools across town. He would have to move away, and eventually get a football scholarship to the University of Missouri... before they would meet on a blind date.

After five years of dating (yes, FIVE) - Dan and Gloria got married on November 5, 1977. They went on to have four (yes, FOUR) children. He thought we grew up to be gorgeous, amazing, super talented individuals... he'd probably add that we called way too often just to annoy him.
Being a dad was his favorite occupation, and no offense... but he was the best dad in the history of father-ing. And a pretty spectacular grandpa. He also has some wonderful friends who he considered family, and treated that way.

By night he was a respiratory therapist for St. John's/Mercy-Springfield for 31 years. He worked difficult hours with some really good people, who had the pleasure of hearing his very special sense of humor.

In his retirement, he attempted to grow tomatoes, learn Facebook, and drive Gloria crazy with his ideas to "redecorate" the house.

Dan is survived by his wife Gloria and his four children: Seth and his wife Heather, grandchildren Mia and Adrian, daughters Knez and Cass, and youngest son Dane. He is also survived by his brother Steve and MaryAnn Walker, sisters and brothers-in-law Kathy and Carlisle Cantrell and Richard and Cathy Bushong, and nine nieces and nephews.

A "celebration of life" party will be held on Sunday, July 30 at 3:00 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home at 1947 E Seminole St. in Springfield, MO.