Joseph Michael Walker was born on December 26, 1943, the seventh son and youngest of nine children born to William Henry and Grace Dent Walker. He spent his early years at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy with his brothers, and later attended Nativity and St. Gabriel Catholic Churches.

After graduating from Coolidge High School, he enlisted in the Navy where he earned the National Defense Service Medal.  Following his military service, he worked for D.C. Transit Authority as a bus driver and later for D.C. Public Schools as an inventory manager for Buildings and Grounds until his retirement.

He was known as a dapper dresser with a great sense of humor and adventurous spirit.  He loved sports, especially football, horse racing, and fishing.  He adored his family and was a fiercely proud Washingtonian. He had a heart of gold and a loving soul, caring for both relatives and friends. Although he did not have children of his own, he took his uncle’s duties seriously, loving and mentoring his many nieces and nephews.

After a brief illness, Joseph peacefully entered eternal rest on July 1, 2024.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Grace Walker, siblings, William, James, Grace, Cary, Alvin, and Mary Patricia.  He leaves two brothers, Donald (Hazel) and Maurice to cherish his legacy of faith and family love; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.