Mrs. Debra Lynn Walker

December 27, 1955 - December 5, 2018

Debra Lynn (Bridges) Walker was the oldest daughter of Lawrence J. and Mary Nettie (Johnson) Bridges. She was born on December 27th, 1955, in Urbana, Missouri, and grew up there in town, attending school at Skyline. She finished out her high school education in Harrisonville, after a family move, but soon returned to the Urbana area. In August of 1973, Debbie married Bill Johnson, and they had two children: Amy Lynn (42), and Matthew Paul (38). They lived in the Preston area for many years. Later, Debbie lived in Urbana and attended the Baptist Church there. She loved the Lord, and that was evident in her servant’s heart. She was often quietly doing for others without thought for herself or a desire for recognition. Debbie was surrounded by family when she passed away December 5th, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, after a decade-long battle with thyroid cancer. She fought hard against the disease, and rarely let it slow her down. She never complained and was determined to live her life to the fullest. She kept right on doing the things she loved and putting other people first, up until the last days of her life. Debbie had many talents, and an adventurous spirit. She worked as a hairdresser, a cake decorator, a flight attendant, and even a private investigator, among other things. She loved to cook for her family, hunt for antiques, garden, shop, and travel in her RV as much as possible; but her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved and spoiled Chase, Rhett, Maddi, Gage, Jett, and Sophie. She was a constant supporter and cheerleader for each one of them and could frequently be found traveling around to attend their ballgames and events. She also took the grandkids along on her travels around the United States, visiting as many National Parks as they could. She married Kenny Walker on August 7th, 2007, in Urbana, Missouri. She was blessed with two step-children from this union: Kendra Danielle (30), and Dylon Robert (27). Kenny and Debbie enjoyed working on the farm, taking motorcycle rides, and traveling together. They also took Kendra, Dylon, and the grandkids on many trips together and enjoyed making memories and having adventures with them. Debbie is survived by her husband, Kenny Dale Walker; her daughter Amy and her husband, Steve Bybee, and grandchildren, Chase Andrew Glor, Rhett Jordan Glor, Maddi Lynn Glor, and Paige Bybee; her son Matt and his wife, Kristen Johnson, and grandchildren, Gage Matthew, Jett Dallas, and Sophie Rae Johnson; her step-daughter Kendra Walker, a brand new step-granddaughter, Mena Auden Nissen; and her step-son Dylon Walker. She is also survived by her parents, Lawrence and Mary Bridges; her sister, Dian Nunn, and her husband Kelly; her brother, Larry Bridges; her nephew, Jamie Duncan and his wife Pamela, and their children, Jordyn and Asher; and a niece, McKenzie, and her son Wylie, as well as several other cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Debbie was deeply loved. She will be sorely missed by family, friends, and members of her community. We are so thankful for the time we have had with her and are better having had her in our lives. Cancer may have taken her from us, but it did not defeat her, because she leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, kindness, and service for others. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the Hopewell Cemetery near Louisburg with Pastor Gary Urich officiating. Escorts will be Chase Glor, Rhett Glor, Kenny Walker, Matt Johnson, Steve Bybee, and Jamie Duncan. Interment will be in the Hopewell Cemetery under the direction of the Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Urbana. Visitation will be from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.