Gaston L. Walker

Gaston L. "Jackie" Walker, age 77, of Longview, Texas passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2012 after a brief illness. Jackie was born November 22, 1934 at Walker's Mill, Texas to Gaston and Lucille Walker. Walker's Mill was a sawmill community comprised of 28 families located north of Hallsville, Texas. On the morning of his birth the ground was covered with Jack Frost. An uncle proclaimed, "Now we have a little Jack Frost." From that moment on Gaston became known to everyone as Jackie. Throughout his life he attended Hallsville schools where he excelled at all sports. He graduated in 1953. Later, Jackie was included in the Hallsville High School Football Hall of Fame. On January 22, 1954 Jackie and Nancy Gallien were wed in Hallsville, Texas at the home of Mrs. Elmo Bass. Jackie and Nancy celebrated 58 years of marriage. Together they had 3 children. He was also a member of the Church of Christ. Jackie Walker is survived by wife, Nancy Walker of Longview; his sister Sally Walker Morgan and husband B.A. Morgan Jr. of Longview, Texas, son Lowell Gallien Walker and wife Melissa, of St. Louis, Missouri, son Samuel Jacques "Sammy Jack" Walker and wife Michele Moore Walker, of Longview, Texas. Jackie is survived by three grandchildren: Laura Diane Walker of Las Vegas, Nevada, Joshua Bartholomew Walker of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Elijah John Walker of Longview, Texas. He is survived by 4 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; his sister-in-law Elizabeth Walker of Hallsville, and brother-in-law Gene Gallien and his wife Ruth of Longview. Jackie is survived by his little dog Damnit and cats Smudge and Trucky. Jackie was preceded in death by his parents Gaston and Lucille Walker, brothers Ronnie Walker and Van Walker. Son Robert Eugene Walker and grandson Lowell Eugene Du Bose also preceded Jackie in death. During his life he was a 50 year member of James F. Taylor Masonic Lodge #169, Waco Scottish Rite, and Sharon Temple Shrine. Jackie worked in construction at SWEPCO in Longview, Texas for 40 years. After his retirement from SWEPCO, he worked for Red Simpson for 5 years. Retirement and sitting around the house all day did not set well with Jackie so he drove a dump truck for fun. Jackie was one of the first umpires for Hallsville Little League Baseball in 1954. For over 30 years he coached baseball and football for the youth league in Hallsville. Jackie enjoyed coaching his sons and their friends. He continued to play baseball until the age of 48 when his body couldn't keep up with the pace. Jackie started playing the piano by ear at age 6. Then in the mid 1960's his musical abilities shined when he taught himself to play guitar. He formed a country and western band that played in venues in Texas and Louisiana. Jackie loved to sing and play guitar while sitting around the campfire. At Jackie's request a family visitation will not be held. However, friends and family are invited to pay respects at Rader Funeral Home. Friends and relatives are invited to Masonic graveside services under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at Hallsville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana 71103. 318222-5704 shrinershospitalsforchildren.org . The family would like to thank his doctors and the wonderful nurses on the fifth floor ICU at Good Shepherd Hospital. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.

Gaston L. Walker

November 22, 1934 - August 11, 2012