‘Christmas Eve baby’ getting his due 100 years later

‘He always gave to us a great Christmas, so we want to give him a joyous birthday,’ 100-year-old Christmas Eve baby’s daughter says.

Everett Walker knows what it is like to be short-changed for his birthday.

He’s essentially had 99 years worth of experience.

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Come Dec. 24,  you can make that 100 years.

Born on Christmas Eve 1918, Walker turns the big 1-0-0  on Monday, Dec. 24. 
Just like many people born around the holidays, Walker typically got the shaft for his special day and Christmas.

There were lots of hat or scarf sets.

This year will be different, with a big birthday celebration in the works.

Family and friends will celebrate Walker’s special birthday during a private party at Brookdale Senior Living Solutions in Englewood on Christmas Eve.

Walker currently lives in the nursing facility.

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“We decided to give him his due on his birthday,” said

Barbara Vinzant, one of Walker's seven children.

The only other time she remembers a noteworthy birthday celebration for her dad was when he turned 95.

This celebration will be even bigger, Vinzant said.

She said her father deserves it.

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The Okalona, Miss., native was always a great provider despite having a house full of kids, his daughter said.

In fact, people often thought Vinzant was an only child because she dressed so well.

“My dad always worked two jobs to take care of us,” she said. “He’s a good man. He was a workaholic for his family.”

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A machine inspector at Harrison Radiator for 37 years, Walker worked at various times part-time for the Ohio Department of Liquor Control, Good Samaritan Hospital and Miami Hardware.

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Vinzant said she and her siblings had great Christmases. 
Walker has earned his special day — with 100 years of interest.

Besides his seven children, three of which are now deceased, Everett is grandfather to 11 grandchildren and has 16 great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren.

"He always gave to us a great Christmas, so we want to give him a joyous birthday," she said of her dad, a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church who still belts out his favorite song "Precious Lord."

Vinzant’s sister Cheryl Miller said the family is looking forward to celebrate her father’s milestone birthday.

“We thank God for this awesome blessing. What a wonderful gift,” Miller said.

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