Jack Bryant Walker

Dr. Jack Walker was a Valentine’s Day baby born on February 14, 1931 in Elizabethton, Tennessee. He was the first born child to Hazel Welch Walker and Thomas Bryant Walker. Jack moved to Pasadena, Texas in 1937. He attended Pasadena High School where he was a proud and enthusiastic clarinetist of the first organized Pasadena School District band. Upon graduating from high school he attended Austin College where he earned a B.A. degree in Biology, Minor in Chemistry from Austin College and a D.D. S. from the University of Texas Dental Branch, Houston, Texas.

After graduation in 1957 from dental school, he served on active duty for three and one-half years in the U.S. Army Dental Corp completing his Internship at Valley Forge Army General Hospital in Phoenixville, Pa. He served in the U.S. Army Dental Corp in Germany for the remainder of his military service. He had a private Dental practice for 48 years. He was a life member of the AGD, ADA, The American Equilibration Society, and an Emeritus Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He won the Ralph Cooley award at the 1995 TDA meeting, and was also awarded the ADA Geriatric access to Oral Health Award in 2003. He was a finalist in the Bud Tarrson Oral Health Care competition in 2004. Austin College nominated him for their distinguished alumnus award in 2004. Dr. Walker was a tennis player enthusiast. He was a member of the U.S. Dental Tennis Association and won the Texas Super Senior Tennis Tournament in 2003. Toward the end of his dental practice, he devoted his time to medically compromised patients, many of who resided in nursing homes.

Jack had many hobbies and enjoyed the company of his friends. He spent numerous weekends sailing in Trinity Bay, playing competitive and social tennis, mixing notes with his Dixie Land Band members, and spending relaxing hours with his pets.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Hazel and T.B. Walker, his sister Sherry Howard (spouse, Gene) and brother-in-law, Robert Hall.

He is survived by his loving wife Barbara Walker, his son Mike Walker (wife, Tracie), daughters Betsy Walker Long (husband, John), Melinda Walker Atnip (husband, Barry), Robert Klappenbach (wife, Johnda), and Mike Klappenbach (wife, Crystal). Surviving grandchildren are Meg and Haley Long, Chase Walker, Richard and Bradley Atnip, Melissa Raspberry, Amanda and Miranda Klappenbach, Devan and Amrie Klappenbach. He is also survived by his sister Diane Walker Hall and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 11, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home; 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church; 18220 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, Texas 77058.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.