Eugene Lee Walter

"Gene" was born on December 5, 1945 to John and Leah (Bruntz) Walter in Greeley, Colorado. He was the first of their five children. He was raised in Wiggins, Colorado, attended schools there and graduated valedictorian from Wiggins High School in 1963. He graduated from SCSC in Pueblo, Colorado with a bachelor's degree in science. He completed his student teaching at Wiggins and immediately started his 40+ year career teaching and coaching basketball for the Wiggins School District.

On December 21, 1969 he married Sharrel Lee Becker in Fort Morgan, Colorado. They had no children, but raised their special niece, Janie Horan Francone. Sharrel passed away on October 12, 2023 after a lengthy struggle with a neurological disease. He was her willing caregiver throughout this period.

Gene's love of basketball began as a child when his dad took him and his brother to a state basketball tournament in Denver, Colorado. From that point on, he began to play, watch, and collect everything he could about the sport. His first coaching job was at the boy's junior varsity level in Wiggins. He eventually got to coach the varsity boys and girls teams where in 1992, the Lady Tigers captured their first state championship trophy. It was such a highlight of his career. Many other trophies and awards followed him throughout the years. Anyone who knew Gene knew about his museum quality collection of sports memorabilia in his home basement. It is a true testament to his love of the game. The Boston Celtics were his favorite pro team and he enjoyed going to Denver Nuggets games with fellow fans.

Gene is survived by his special daughter Janie Francone, brother Merle Walter (Evy), sister Karen Miller (Ron), sister Cynthia Lambert (Jerry), Allen Walter (Lou Ann), nieces Jill Walter, Ashley Miller, Lori Chabot, Carmen Quinlin, and Lauren Lambert, nephews Heath Walter, Joel Walter, Korey Miller, and Samuel Lambert. He shared many close moments with his cousin, Carol Lew.

Funeral services will be held at Stoddard Funeral Home in Greeley on May 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Family will be receiving visitors at 9:00 AM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.