Monte Jack Driskell

Monte Jack Driskell, age 90, of Lovelady passed away Friday, July 18, 2025 at his home. Monte Jack was born September 29, 1934 in Lovelady to parents, Joe Judson Driskell and Ople Irene Monzingo Driskell. He was raised in Lovelady and graduated from Lovelady High School in 1952. Monte received a basketball scholarship from Wharton County Junior College where he played basketball and met the love of his life, Janet. He transferred to Sam Houston State University, played basketball for three more years before receiving his Bachelor Degree in 1957 and Master's Degree in 1961.

Monte got his first coaching job in Groveton, in 1957, became head coach and Athletic Director in 1961 and coached there until 1966. He then moved to Crockett in 1966 to be the head coach and athletic director of the Crockett Bulldogs until 1971.

Coach Driskell wanted to try the college ranks and took a coaching job at Sam Houston State from 1971-1974. Because he wanted to go back home and coach high school, he returned to become the head coach and athletic director in Lovelady from 1974-1981.

He went back to Crockett High School as head coach and athletic director from 1981-1999 and had great success. In 1988, Monte Jack was inducted into the Sam Houston Hall of Fame, as well as the Texas High School Coach's Hall of Fame in 1998. Coach Driskell's record as head coach is 292-82-9.

On October 1, 2010, he had the honor of the Bulldog Stadium being named after him, Monte Jack Driskell Stadium.

Monte Jack is survived by his wife of 68 years, Janet Jamar Driskell of Lovelady; children, Cheryl Driskell and Janet Hablinski of Lake Livingston, Dusty and Mary Driskell, Jamie and Emily Driskell; grandchildren, Danny and Christina Driskell of Lovelady, Jaclyn and Clint Oldham of College Station, Laura and Austin Harris of Lavon, Josie and Colby Rush of Mabank, Judson Driskell of Malakoff, Jack Driskell of Malakoff; great-grandchildren, Brooks Driskell, Esther Driskell, Garrett Driskell, Keller Driskell, Colt Ryan Rush, one on the way; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends; special caregiver, April Barnes.

He was preceded in death by parents, Joe and Ople Driskell; brother, Joe Lynn Driskell and wife, Lillian; sister, Judy Shoemaker and husband, Leon.

Funeral services for Monte Jack Driskell will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the Old Lovelady Gym with Doug Musgrove officiating. Interment will follow at the Lovelady Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Callaway-Allee Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lovelady Evergreen Cemetery, P.O. Box 177, Lovelady, TX 75851

CALLAWAY-ALLEE FUNERAL HOME