Clarence L. Walker, World War II veteran and devoted church usher, dies at 99
Mr. Walker was stationed in England and later Normandy, where he arrived one month after D-Day. He was discharged in 1946 and was awarded several medals including two Bronze Stars.
Clarence L. Walker, 99, of Philadelphia, a World War II veteran and church usher, died April 21 at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Darby.
One of the great joys of Mr. Walker’s life was ushering during Sunday services at Holy Cross Baptist Church in Overbrook, something he had done for more than 50 years.
“He was still ushering up to age 98,” said fellow congregation member and friend Vanessa Givens. “He would have still been ushering if it hadn’t been for the pandemic. He was still ushering in 2020.”
Before COVID-19′s mid-March 2020 shutdown turned Holy Cross’ services virtual, Mr. Walker would take a bus to Sunday worship and walk the block or so to the church even though he often had offers of rides. He liked to get the exercise, Givens said.
Mr. Walker’s dedication, his ever-ready smile, and humble nature won much love in his congregation.
In February, his church family organized a surprise drive-by 99th birthday celebration for him, complete with a gold crown and balloons.
“He was very excited,” Givens said. “All his cards and decorations are still up in the house.”
Mr. Walker was born Feb. 22, 1922 in South Carolina and was one of 11 children of Elonza and Catherine Walker. He grew up on a family farm in North, S.C., but he dreamed of becoming a church usher from the time he was a boy and joined the Usher Board at his family church when he was 5.
During 10th grade, Mr. Walker left high school to work in a cafeteria in the hope that he might save enough money to be able to leave the farm.
But he and and two of his brothers were later drafted into the Army during World War II.
Mr. Walker was stationed in England and later Normandy, where he arrived one month after D-Day. Years later, he still recalled the chaos and smell of burned flesh.
He was discharged in 1946 and was awarded several medals including two Bronze Stars. The following year, he made his way to Philadelphia with his future wife, Birdie Frazier.
Mr. Walker found work — first in the restaurant business and later with the General Services Administration’s custodial force, initially at the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center and then at the federal courthouse at Sixth and Market Streets. He retired from there in 1987.
Well into his 90s, Mr. Walker finally applied for his veterans benefits. At the time, the folks at the Philly VA had him pose for a poster to let others know it’s never too late to apply.
The Rev. Joseph H. Beatty recalled Mr. Walker’s kind, cheerful nature.
When the Rev. Beatty would ask, “How are you doing, Mr. Walker?” the answer would invariably be, “I am good now that you are here!”
“After being a blessing to so many, he has gone home to live with the Lord,” the Rev. Beatty said. “He will be sorely missed, but he is where he has longed to be — with his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Mr. Walker is survived by many nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law. His wife died earlier.
A public viewing was held Wednesday, April 28. Interment will be private.