Kenneth Norris “Slick” Walker, 74, of Patoka, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. He was born on October 11, 1951, in Centralia, the only son of Deneen “Slick” and Lucille (Norris) Walker. He married the love of his life, Susan “Suzy” Jennings, on October 20, 1973, in Patoka, and she survives him.
Along with his wife, Suzy, who shared 52 loving years of marriage, survivors include his children, daughter, Lura Thompson of Patoka; son, Eberle “Eb” Walker of Patoka; beloved grandsons, Brady and Bryer Thompson; sisters, Susan (Butch) Landreth, Nina (Jeff) Tune, Deenie (Shane) Forehand, and Donna (Daren) Sullens; brother-in-law, Ed Parker; nephews Nick (Serra) Parker, Robert (Chris) Parker, Jeremy (Theresa) Landreth, Mark (Michelle) Landreth, Walker Simpson, Jim (Amy) Jennings, Kerry (Ana) Jennings, Caleb (Katie) Jennings; nieces Lori (Phil) Stephens, Kara (Adam) Belcher, Morgan (Tyler) Payne, Danielle (Bob) Morris, and Heather Jennings; and a large number of cousins and extended family.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Slick and Lucille Walker; sister, Connie Parker; nephew, Ryan Tune; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kay “Jr.” and Pearl Jennings; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jake and Gail Jennings.
Kenny was a lifetime member of Patoka Christian Church. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict and was an active member of the Patoka American Legion Post #543, where he proudly marched alongside his fellow veterans in Fall Festival parades for over 40 years and performed military rites to honor fallen comrades and other remembrance services. He served as a volunteer on the Patoka Fire Department and retired after forty-five years of service. Kenny worked as the Supt. of Utilities for the Village of Patoka for seventeen years as an Assistant. Highway Commissioner for Patoka Township, and retired from the Warren G. Murray Center as a teamster truck driver.
Slick’s favorite times were spent camping with his family, hunting deer, rabbits, squirrels, and birds, and fishing, especially setting trot lines in the river bottoms. He proudly passed these legacies on to his son and grandsons. He loved every minute spent at deer camp with his nephews, who lovingly referred to him as “Unc.” He also enjoyed laughing at his cousin’s and nephew’s tall tales around the fire at squirrel camp.
Military rites will be accorded at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Patoka Christian Church. Immediately following, friends and relatives may offer condolences to Kenny’s family. A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in accordance with the family’s wishes and will be received by Day Macz Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories of Kenneth “Slick” Walker may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
