Don Wesley Walker

Don Wesley Walker, 72, died from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease on May 29, 2015. Don was born July 30, 1942 in Fort Worth, Texas to Arthur Resley and Marguerite Rankin Walker. He grew up in Azle, Texas, graduating from Azle High School in 1960. He received his B.A. with Honors from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1964, his M.A. and Ph. D. from Texas Christian University in 1968. After graduation, he came to Gainesville for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Department of Neurobiology. After his Postdoctoral studies, he remained in Gainesville as a faculty member in Neurobiology and a Research Scientist at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Gainesville. When the Department of Neuroscience was established, Don was a founding member of the faculty. He spent the rest of his career there and retired in 2003 as professor Emeritus of Neuroscience. During his tenure, he served on many national and international boards and published extensively. Don was predeceased in death by his father and mother and by his step mother, Sue C. Walker. He is survived by his wife Joye Malone Walker, son, Barry Wayne Walker (Robin), daughter Holly Renee Hagan and step daughter, Allison Everett Forbes; granddaughters, Taylor Walker, Amanda Hagan, Chloe Hagan and step granddaughters, Joye Vega and Steva Lowell. Also, step great grandsons, Ean Vega, Jacob Kennington and Aiden Kennington. Don loved to travel, which he and Joye did extensively in the United States and internationally. He also enjoyed golf, reading, and supporting his Gators. He was happiest when he was with his loving family. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Gainesville Country Club. The family would like to express their thanks to the incredible staff at Oak Hammock Banyan Memory Unit and Haven Hospice and to his caregiver and friend Maria Godbolt. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Don’s memory to the University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders, 3456 Hull Road, #4, Gainesville, FL, 32607 or to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606. A private graveside service will be held at Forest Meadows Central. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32609.