Thomas M. Walker

Thomas Malcolm Walker was born May 14, 1922 to George and Henrietta Walker in Runge Texas and passed away after a return of cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife Lydia Minelli of Sao Paulo Brazil. Walker was a graduate of Runge high school in 1939; he received a Bachelor in Education degree from SW Texas State College in 1950 and a Masters degree in Political Science from The University of Southern California in 1962.

During World War Two Walker served his country on the front line on the Moselle River during the battle of bulge. He was a graduate of Officer Candidate School in Fountain Bleu France and was infantry platoon leader commander in Erlangen Germany in the fall of 1945. Walker was a teacher and a coach from 1947-1951 in Kingsville Texas and coached in Edinburg Texas from 1954-1957 before moving to Lynwood High School in California from 1957-1966. While there he taught European History as chairman of the Social Science Department. In 1966 – 1986 Walker became a Professor of Political Science and History Sports information director at Compton College in Los Angeles. During his tenure there he created the Compton College Sports Association that contributed to the revival of the school’s athletic success particularly in basketball and the 1970 California junior college championship the school won with its undefeated 33-0 season. Over his coaching career Walker coached many young men who went on to be nationally known for their Athleticism and sports careers. After his retirement Walker returned to Texas where he led out the remainder of his life enjoying many sports events especially the San Antonio Spurs. During his past 4 years he has been a resident of Regent Care Oakwell Farms and he wished to thank the staff for their care and support.

Services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel July 19, 2013 at 12 noon. Malcolm will be missed by his many coaching friends, students, military buddies and family.