Eileen Jean (Landrum) Walker, 86, of McArthur, passed away June 23, 2013 at her home after an extended illness. She was born November 10, 1926 in Jackson, Ohio, the twin daughter of the late Walter Scott Landrum, Sr. and Nellie Leora (Foster) Landrum. Eileen was the widow of the late Orville Edward Walker, whom she married June 21, 1946. They were married for nearly 36 years.
Relocating to McArthur in 1960, Eileen spent the majority of her life as a homemaker, devoted to her husband and children. After the death of her husband, she worked for many years in one of the family’s businesses, Walker’s Family Circle Pizza. She was a lifelong member of the McArthur Church of the Nazarene, where she served for several years as a board member, church secretary, Nazarene World Missionary Society vice-president, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School director, and church steward. Inheriting a great talent as a rhythm guitarist, she, along with her husband, ministered to her home church and other area congregations through song and worship. Eileen was an excellent cook and specialized in baking, especially homemade pies, pastries, and other desserts. In her free time, she enjoyed visiting with family, playing and listening to music, reading her daily Bible devotions, and working on crossword puzzles.
Eileen is survived by four sisters, (twin) Charleen J. Haynes, Hazel E. (Lewis) Collins, Mary E. Reed, all of Jackson; Clara Mae Reed, of Oak Hill; three brothers, Isaac H. (Carol) Landrum, Floyd M. (Joine) Landrum, William D. (Carol) Landrum, all of Jackson; sisters-in-law, Mary Landrum of Jackson and Pauline Walker of Dayton; four sons, Ernest E. (Susan) Walker, Sr. of Jackson; Terry W. (Linda) Walker, Mark A. (Tony) (Carol) Walker, and Erick C. (Clint) Walker (with whom she lived), all of McArthur; a daughter, Cynthia A. (Walker) Orlowski, a daughter-in-law, Pamela (Ward) Walker; and friends, Eileen Cottrill and Rosalie Rinehart, all of McArthur; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Eileen was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey L. Walker; five sisters, (infant) Frances A. Landrum, Frieda M. Lambert, Juanita F. Bolen, Bernice V. Sturgill, W. Kathleen Foster; four brothers, L. Ivan Landrum, Paul I. Landrum, John F. Landrum, Sr., Walter Scott Landrum, Jr.; and a very special niece, Leah (Siders) Davis.
The Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2013 at the McArthur Church of the Nazarene, 523 N. Market St., McArthur, with The Revs. William Roth (pastor), John Jackson (retired Lutheran pastor), and Sr. Christina Kraus, O.S.F. officiating. After a luncheon in the church’s fellowship hall, interment will be at 3 p.m. in Fairmount Cemetery, Jackson. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are by the Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in her memory to the St. Francis Outreach Center, 108 W. Mill St., McArthur, Ohio 45651; Care Outreach, 395 E. High St., McArthur, Ohio 45651; or United Way of Vinton County, P.O. Box 541, McArthur, Ohio 45651. Please sign her online guestbook at www.cardaras.com.