Councilman Walker’s family originates from the Southern Illinois area and he was born in Vienna, Illinois.  He has lived in Mt. Vernon for more than thirty years.  He met his wife, Sheryl, here and they have been married for 23 years.  They have three children, Shannon, Kristen and Peter. 

Councilman Walker is a Mt. Vernon Township High School graduate.  He attended Southern Illinois University studying Radio, TV and Film.  His accreditations include 2002 Hollywood Film Institute Graduate, 2002 CMP DV Media Group Digital Video Certification and 1988 PADI Rescue Diver Certification. 

Councilman Walker is currently the Steward/Producer of Narrow Gate-Way Media, Inc. a Digital Video and Multi-Media Production Company.  He has worked with the production department at WSIU as a production assistant on Charlie Birger & My Town Documentaries.  Councilman Walker was a partner and owner of Midwest Internet ISP, Inc. until the company sold in 1999.  He also was president and partner of Arby’s Restaurants in Mt. Vernon and Carbondale until the restaurants were leased to a company in Georgia, and from 1978 to 1997 he was a president, general manager and partner with Big Chief 76 Auto and Truck Plaza Inc. until selling to Truckstops of America. 

Councilman Walker is a Past President and Board Member of the Illinois Truckstop Association, Past Board Member and lobbyist of the National Association of Truckstop Operators and member of the Illinois Fire and Police Commissioners Association. 

Councilman Walker’s volunteer experience includes:  Past Board Member and Vice President Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member and Chairman Jefferson County American Red Cross, Past Advisory Board Member St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, Past State Board Member Southern Illinois Director Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Past Director Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless, Past Member and Vice President Mt. Vernon Jaycees, Current Member, Past President and Area Coordinator Jefferson County Gideon’s Intl., Past City-Wide Coordinator Jesus Video Project, current Board Member Hope in Christ Mission, Mt. Vernon Police and Fire Commissioner and current Deacon ordained at Logan Street Baptist Church. 

In addition to serving his community, Councilman Walker enjoys teaching and practicing karate, hunting, four-wheeling, tennis, scuba diving, computer tech and reading.

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