Bryan Walker

Bryan Robert Walker, 47, of Hendersonville, Tenn., died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at a Pittsburgh hospital following a lengthy illness.

He was born March 14, 1965, in Cape Girardeau, to Paul R. Walker and Donna E. Bauer.

After graduating from Central High School in 1983, Bryan joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

He married Monica Lanpher, daughter of Nick and Charlotte Lanpher of Cape Girardeau, on Aug. 17, 1991.

When the couple relocated to California, Bryan discovered a talent for housing construction and carpentry. They moved to Nashville, Tenn., in 1994, where he worked as a master carpenter before establishing Walker Custom Cabinetry in Hendersonville, crafting cabinets for business and residential use.

Bryan's love of music began at age 14 when he started playing piano. By 17 he was playing keyboards in local rock bands. Later he was part of a band hired by the USO to play overseas entertaining military troops. He continued playing, writing and producing music for the rest of his life, collaborating with various Nashville artists. A selection of his music can be found at bsharproductions.com.

He is survived by his wife, Monica Lanpher Walker; two sons, Ethan Ryan Walker, 18, Wil Bauer Walker, 12, all of Hendersonville; father, Paul R. Walker of Cape Girardeau; mother, Donna E. Bauer of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Douglas G. Walker of Memphis, Tenn., and Miles R. Walker of Sikeston, Mo.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Rob Mehner officiating.

A memorial open house will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at the home of Tabetha and Chris Carr, 1241 Latimer Lane in Hendersonville. Everyone is welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Scleroderma Foundation at scleroderma.org or to Help.Hope.Live. in Bryan's name at helphopelive.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.