Louis is survived by his beloved wife, Helen E. Walker; his son Jason A. Walker (Debra); his daughter Lacy "Missy" Walker; his son Jesse A. Walker; his son Jeffrey W. Walker (Terrie); his daughter Lisa M. Garza (Abel); and his son Jason R. Kibbe (Amber); his sister Judy Hull. Mr. Walker also leaves 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren to cherish his memory.
August 24, 1935, Louis I Walker was born in Elden, Iowa. No one knew a pig farmer’s son would touch thousands of young men and women for Jesus Christ. It all began with a simple prayer while competing in the 60-yard hurdles during a high school track meet in Iowa City, Iowa. Before the race, Louis prayed, “Lord, just have me do well.” God answered this prayer by taking first, beating a state champion. He would have never expected the impact of a simple prayer would lead him to pray for multiple high schools and junior high student-athletes. After high school, Louis played for George Williams College in Chicago, Illinois, named after the founder of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). There he gained a great understanding of the importance of defense which played a pivotal role in becoming a Coach.
Coaching more than 60 years, he excelled in his God-given ability to train young athletes in gymnastics, wrestling, baseball, basketball, and track. Upon retiring, God opened a door for Coach Walker to pray for whole teams throughout the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. He volunteered to help a basketball team for an alternative school, never giving up his love for coaching. Teaching that through a desire and a willingness to be trained took youth that some would consider losers into winners.
Through this, God placed a basketball program on Coach Walker’s heart, leading to the team’s success. Going to show that they “can do all things through Christ who strengthens” them per Philippians 4:13 of the NKJV. His prayer is that God would continue to touch the young men and women athletes and train them to be winners for Christ.
A visitation for Louis will be held Monday, July 31, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel, Mission, TX. A celebration of life will occur Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 10:30 AM, in Mission, TX, followed by a burial at 12:00 PM at Valley Memorial Gardens, Mission, TX.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelmission.com for the Walker family.
