Coach Charles Walker

Coach Charles Walker 83, of Raywood, TX; transited from labor to reward on Aug. 17, 2025.

Services are Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at Hull-Daisetta School Gym 117 North Main Daisetta, TX 77533. Visitation will begin at 9AM until Funeral at 11AM. Interment will be in Wells Cemetery, Liberty, TX.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." – Psalm 23:1

Some men are measured by the work of their hands, others by the titles they hold. Charles Eugene Walker was measured by the lives he shaped. On August 17, 2025, at the age of 84, Coach Walker finished his final season on earth, leaving behind a legacy of faith, mentorship, and unwavering love.

A Life of Purpose and Legacy

On July 8, 1941, in Prairie View, Texas, Dave and Josephine Walker welcomed their 11th child of 14 total children. Charles Eugene Walker grew into a man whose life shaped classrooms, basketball courts, churches, and the hearts of generations. Known to many simply as "Coach," to friends as "Cheese," and to family as "Bubba," Charles lived 84 years as a teacher, mentor, and man of God whose legacy will echo far beyond his earthly journey.

Rooted in Family and Learning

Raised in a large sharecropping family, Charles's early life was rooted in the rich soil of family, hard work, and the closeness of siblings. He was a proud product of his community, educated at Prairie View Training School and Prairie View High School.

His path led him to Prairie View A&M University, where he excelled not only in his studies but also on the baseball field. His education was a testament to his resilience; he took two semesters off to work the family farm when his father fell ill, a sacrifice that demonstrated his deep sense of duty. In 1965, he proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Biology. But his pursuit of knowledge never ceased. He later earned a Master's in Education from Stephen F. Austin University in 1985 and, grounded in a deep and abiding faith, dedicated himself to theological study, earning a Bachelor's (2004), a Master's (2006), a Doctorate (2008) in Christian Education and Divinity, and a Legal Law of Divinity diploma (2010) from the United Christian Theological Institution.

A Love Story for the Ages

While at Prairie View, Charles met a young woman named Addie "Cookie" Gene Stewart. Though acquaintances in college, fate intervened when they both began their teaching careers in 1965 at the historic Carter G. Woodson School in Raywood. There, their friendship blossomed into a love that would span nearly six decades. On June 24, 1967, they were united in marriage at St. Miles Missionary Baptist Church, beginning a remarkable 58-year partnership. Together, they were an educational powerhouse, dedicating nearly a century of combined service to the youth of Liberty County. They built a life centered on family, raising two sons, Daniel Eugene "Danny" Walker whom they adopted in 1972 at the age of three, and Charles Stewart "Chucky" Walker, born in 1974. Though they endured the heartbreak of losing Chucky in 2015 at the age of 40, their love for one another and their faith in God carried them through.

The Heart of a Coach

Coach Walker's 36-year career began at Woodson School and continued through the district's integration into Hull-Daisetta ISD. He taught Biology, Physical Science, PE, and Driver's Ed, and coached football, golf, and Little League baseball. But it was on the basketball court that he became a legend. He coached the Hull-Daisetta Bobcats basketball team for 24 years. His success was quantifiable, marked by seven "Coach of the Year" titles and milestones that saw him inducted into the 300 Win Club (1991–92), the 400 Win Club (1995–96), and ultimately, the elite 500 Win Club by the time of his retirement in 2001.

Yet, his greatest accomplishment was not measured in trophies, but in the lives he molded. He was a mentor, a disciplinarian, and for many, the father figure they needed. He had a presence that commanded respect, often greeting, questioning, or scolding with a booming, unforgettable "Heyyyyyyy." He had a simple question that cut to the heart of your readiness for life's challenges: "So, how's your jump shot?" Former student Art Prevost recalled, "Coach Walker believed in me. He gave me the type of love a man can only give his son." In 2023, his monumental impact was immortalized when the school's gymnasium was dedicated as the Donna Cox & Charles Walker Gymnasium, a permanent tribute to his enduring legacy.

A Servant's Heart

Retirement did not mean rest for Charles Walker; it simply meant finding new avenues to serve. He continued to shape young lives as a substitute teacher and coach at Liberty High School. He also taught within the Windham School District, offering guidance and a second chance to incarcerated individuals through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Furthermore, he led a weekly Bible Study at a local senior citizen center, sharing his wisdom and faith with his peers.

Faith was the central pillar of Charles's life. Baptized at Wyatt Chapel Baptist Church as a boy, beginning a lifelong walk with the Lord that guided his every step. In 1967, he joined St. Miles Missionary Baptist Church in Ames, Texas, where he served faithfully as an usher, Sunday School teacher, Brotherhood leader, and, beginning in 1989, as an ordained Deacon. His favorite scripture was Psalm 23, a guiding reminder that God's presence was always with him.

Off the court and outside the church, Charles found joy in life's simple pleasures. He took immense pride in maintaining a crisp, manicured yard and found peace in tending to the earth with his hands. He was an avid fan of his Houston Rockets, cheering them on with unmatched enthusiasm. He also had a deep appreciation for good food and the fellowship that came with it. This included frequent stops for snow cones, tactical McDonald's runs during his driver's ed lessons-where his students had the honor of chauffeuring-and the delicious home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by his sister-in-law, Velma Trahan, which were often delightful indulgences he probably shouldn't have been eating but enjoyed immensely.

A Circle of Love

His circle of love was vast and unconditional. In his final days, he was wrapped in the unwavering care of his village including, his favorite nephew, Mel Trahan; "his girls," Nina Herring (his favorite) and Giovanni "Gio" Stewart, and his devoted students turned family Mildred Lee and Allan Haskins, who cared for him with tenderness and devotion. Their steadfast presence was a profound comfort and a testament to the deep bonds he had forged throughout his life.

Charles Eugene "Coach" Walker lived a life of faith, discipline, and love. He poured himself into his family, his students, his players, his church, and his community. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 58 years, Addie "Cookie" Walker; his son, Danny; grandchildren, Antonio Ary and Kelbie' Lynn Walker; great-grandchildren, Ayden and Amarey Ary; and his loving sisters, Daisy Walker and Nancy Ashley (Reverend Billy Ashley), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Josephine; his beloved son, Chucky; and eleven siblings: Lucious Walker, Lucy Walker Smith, Carrie Lee Walker, Frankie Walker Haskell, Lillie Mae Walker Williams, Rev. James "Jake" Walker, Jessie Walker, Rev. Edwin Walker, Richard Walker, Rev. Arthur Walker, George Walker Sr.

Coach Walker ran his race with endurance and finished his course with honor. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he built, and the generations of men and women who are better because he was their "Coach."

Proctor's Mortuary - Liberty is in charge of final arrangements 2221 Hwy 90 Liberty, TX. 936-336-3166. The guest book can be signed; words of comfort and condolences for the family can be left at www.proctorsmortuary.com