Jesse Gene "Coach" Walker

Funeral services for Jesse Gene Walker, 86, of Lufkin will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Walker McWilliams and Eric Wright officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Jesse Gene Walker was born June 3, 1939 in Huntington, Texas, Ora community, to the late Naomi (McClure) Walker and Eugene Etheral Walker and passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on July 13, 2025.

Jesse was proud of his upbringing, his family, and all he accomplished is his lifetime. He graduated from Huntington High School in 1957, where he played varsity basketball all four years and was voted captain and received All-District Honors both junior and senior years. Through his hard work, he earned a basketball scholarship to Lon Morris Junior College. There he played basketball for two years where he was, again, selected as captain of the team and was elected to Who’s Who. From there, he continued playing basketball on a full scholarship at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Jesse was again voted captain of the team, received All Lone Star Conference honors, and elected Senior Class President. While at Sul Ross, Jesse met the love of his life, Jerene, and together they were chosen as Campus Favorites. The two were married March 10, 1962, during their senior year of college and he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Biology in 1963. The two built successful careers in education while making stops in Van Horn (Bryan and Deidra), Sweetwater (Cne’), Athens (Shannon), Mesquite, Lufkin, and Zavalla. Jesse furthered his education by obtaining his Master of Education Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1985.

Among his tenure as an educator and coach, he was a biology/science instructor, track coach, tennis coach, assistant football coach, physical education instructor, and athletic director. He worked for six different school districts and in all of these districts, Jesse was head basketball coach. His love for kids and his dedication to them and the game he loved led him to have a successful career. He was chosen as District Coach of the year 15 times, East Texas Coach of the year twice, and Coach of the Year in 1979 by Texas Sportswriters Association and the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. He also coached the THSCA All Star Team in 1981. Jesse led his boys to multiple district titles and area crowns. They progressed to the regional tournament five times and won the state title in 1979. While coaching winning teams, he also served as assistant selection chairman, chairman for the All-Star Team, served on the rules committee and served on the Board of Directors for the Texas High School Coaches Association. He was president of the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame for two years and was, himself, inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in May of 2000.

During his 42-year career, Jesse made many long friendships and mentored hundreds of students and players. Although winning was important, character building was more important. Teaching kids to have loyalty, integrity, and respect for family remained his biggest concern. His kids were his kids; his players were his kids. He loved all his boys like they were his own and he was proud of all of them. He followed them on their own journeys and celebrated their victories like they were his.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Cne’ and Wade Blake; daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Mark Abney; grandson, Walker Blake and wife Katie; granddaughter, Allison Minyard and husband Andrew; grandson, Jeb Blake and wife Kayle; granddaughter, Laurel Abney; great-grandsons, Carter Blake, Raiden Blake, and Rowan Blake, all of Lufkin; sister-in-law, Frances Walker of Conroe; nephew, Ken Walker and wife Donna of Montgomery; brother-in-law, Larry Crumley and wife Lucy of San Antonio; brother-in-law, Randy Crumley and wife Marla of San Marcos, California; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Jesse was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Anita Jerene (Crumley) Walker; son, Jesse Bryan Walker; daughter, Deidra Denise Walker; and brother, Charles Walker.

Pallbearers will be Wade Blake, Mark Abney, Walker Blake, Jeb Blake, and Andrew Minyard.

Honorary pallbearers are all his former basketball players and students.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Lufkin, 106 E. Bremond Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901 or the charity of your choice.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.