Donald "Don" Gene Walker

Donald Gene “Don” Walker, 89, passed away Friday, April 5, 2024 in Fort Worth.

Visitation:  6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 at White’s Funeral Home, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford. 

Funeral:  1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 in White’s Chapel of Memories. 

Interment:  Clark Cemetery in Weatherford.

Don was born June 19, 1934 in Stephenville, son of Charles A. and Willie Emmer (Stone) Walker.  He grew up in Stephenville and attended Stephenville High School, Tarleton College, Abilene Christian College (BS in Education/Phy. Ed - 1956), and North Texas State University (M.Ed – 1963). Don was also a member of the Rhythmaires quartet. Upon graduation from college, Don began his teaching and coaching career at Comanche High School (1956-1958), followed by head coaching roles at Castleberry High School (1958-1962) and Brewer High School (1962-1972), where he coached his football team to a District Championship in 1967. Don transitioned to administration in High School Principal roles at Pampa High School (1972-1974) and at Azle High School (1974-1986). He later served as a deputy for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department.

Don exhibited a servant heart and loved his family and attending every extracurricular school and sporting event that his grandchildren were involved in. He never met a stranger and loved seeing and hearing from the numerous former players, students, and colleagues that he had the privilege to work with over his career. 

Don loved to sing and play the harmonica. He was a member of Granbury Church of Christ. He was an avid sportsman, golfer and enjoyed fellowship with The Good Ole Boys club in his later years. He was passionate about his beloved Stephenville Yellowjacket football team and attended every game he could along with his brother Stormy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Emma Walker, of Stephenville; brothers, Charles Walker of Houston, Harold D. Walker of Hico, Thurman “Stormy” Walker, of Stephenville; sisters, Fenella Walker Jarratt of Los Lunas, New Mexico, and Marjorie Walker Nunn of Fort Worth; step-son, Don L. Corley, Jr. of Azle; step-daughter, Julie Corley Allen of Fort Worth; and granddaughter, Taylor Bryanne Bradshaw-Bell of Weatherford.

Don is survived by wife of 43 years, Margaret Ann (Harris) Walker of Weatherford; sister, Rita Walker Bridges of Fort Worth; mother of his children, Melva Jo Walker of Stephenville; children, Michael Walker and wife, Barbara, of Gainesville, Monty Walker and wife, Patsy, of Stephenville, Robin Walker Bell and husband, Chuck, of Indialantic, Florida, Rebel Walker Voss of Lake Dallas, Rock Corley of Fort Worth, Gina Corley Emerton and husband, Dave of Denton, and Sandra Christian Corley of Fort Worth; as well as 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, former students, and friends.