Kenneth “Coach” Walker, son of the late Floyd Walker and Audrey Fritts Walker, was born in Saginaw, Michigan on September 4, 1944 and departed this life at his residence in Holts Summit, Missouri on June 8, 2020 with his loving family by his side. Mr. Walker was 75.
Mr. Walker was a 1963 graduate of Bernie High School and went on to earn his Bachelors of Arts degree from Southwest Baptist College. After graduation he joined the United States Army and was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He received 2 purple hearts, the bronze star, Army commendation medal and numerous citations.
Ken’s great passion and ‘true’ love was the game of basketball. He was a lifelong coach and enjoyed imparting his knowledge of sports with the younger generation. He was a faithful member of the YMCA and was known to stop his workout to assist a kid on their technique regardless of the sport. He was a loving father and grandfather and they will greatly miss his presence in their lives.
Survivors include one son, Meritt Evan Walker & wife Nancy of Columbia, Missouri; by one daughter, Kenna Rae Walker of Holts Summit, Missouri; by his ex-wife, Valerie Walker of Jefferson City, Missouri; by three sisters, Elaine Castro & husband Alejo, Ruth Ann Maderak and Vicky Sayers & husband Richard all of Bernie, Missouri; by four grandchildren, Kymber Walker, Tavis Walker, Evan Walker and Rhys Walker; by one great-granddaughter, Kailani Cooper. Also by other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death other than by his parents, by one brother, Floyd “Butchie” Walker; by one sister-in-law, Inez Walker and one brother-in-law, Gary Maderak.
Visitation to be held on Saturday June 13, 2020 at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie, Missouri from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Full Military Honors will be held at 1:00 P.M. at Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie, Missouri.
Mathis Funeral Home of Bernie in charge of all arrangements.
