Tom Walker

Tom Walker, 80, of Lubbock and loving husband to Judy Walker, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, January 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born on January 22, 1944, in Robstown, Nueces County, Texas, to the late Gerald Sunbeam Walker and Orene (Pickard) Walker.

He attended schools in Robstown and graduated with the senior class of 1961. Furthering his education, he received his Bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian College (ACC). From there, Tom attended and graduated from Texas A & I in 1981 with his Master’s in Education. He received his principal’s certification in 1985 and his superintendent’s certification in 1987. Tom started his coaching career as assistant football coach at King HS (Corpus Christi, TX). He then served as head football coach at Cotulla HS (Cotulla, TX), Floresville HS (Floresville, TX), San Antonio McCollum HS (San Antonio, TX), and Clear Creak HS (League City, TX). He served as athletic director and head football coach at HM King HS (Kingsville, TX). Tom spent a few years in private business and then transitioned into school administration. He served as HS principal at Cotulla HS and then superintendent at Rochester ISD (Rochester, TX), Grady ISD (Lenorah, TX) and Lorenzo ISD (Lorenzo, TX). Tom finished his professional career as graduate advisor at Wayland Baptist University- Lubbock Campus.  

Tom met Judy Bacon while attending ACC and they were united in marriage on August 27, 1966, in Robstown, Texas. They had three children: Morgen, Lafaun, and Vanessa. 

Tom loved playing basketball and football in high school. He went on to play college football at ACC on a football scholarship. He enjoyed watching sports and keeping a beautiful lawn at home and work. Tom was regularly seen mowing the football fields in his positions as coach and superintendent. His church home is Quaker Avenue Church of Christ. 

Those left to honor and cherish his memory include his wife, Judy; one son: Morgen Walker, daughter-in-law Angelia, grandsons Caleb and Gabe of Plano; two daughters: Lafaun Gilman, son-in-law Jason, three granddaughters Brittany, Sawyer, and Walker of Abilene and Vanessa Bolyard, son-in-law Casey, three grandsons Ayden, Jax, and Sam of Lubbock. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gerald Walker and sister-in-law, Kay. 

Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 pm on January 23, 2025, in the auditorium of Quaker Avenue Church of Christ, 1701 Quaker Avenue in Lubbock. David Langford will be the officiant.  Memorial services are under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks if you should desire to honor Tom’s memory to please do so by donating to Quaker Avenue Church of Christ East African Missions program in his name.