Donald Gene Walker
Donald Gene Walker, 84, of Jasper, Tennessee, died Sunday, April 14, 2019.
Don was born on Feb. 18, 1935, in Texas to Joseph Walker and Zona LeMoine Walker, the youngest of five boys. Raised in Natchitoches, La., Don was on his high school baseball, basketball and track teams, and graduated from Northwestern State University with a business degree.
Don joined ROTC in college, received his officer’s commission and began his military career in Ft. Campbell, Ky. His many assignments were Basic Officer’s School, Advanced Officer’s School, 101st Airborne Division, and Korea.
Don was a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, having served during that war as a Green Beret and Army Ranger. His awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Senior Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, and Expert Infantry Badge.
After leaving the military, Don worked for the State of Tennessee and retired in 2001. Don loved his family first, but his LSU Tigers were a close second.
Don found a home when he met his wife of 58 years, Mary Jo Teeters. She survives him, along with, son, Gregg (Teresa); daughter, Amy Northern; grandchildren, Brooks and Grace Northern; his cat, Sweetie; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Wednesday, April 17, from 6-8 p. .CDT, 7-9 p.m. EDT at Tate Funeral Home, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tn. and from 11 a.m. to noon CDT, 12-1 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 18, before the service.
The funeral will be held Thursday, April 18, at noon CDT, 1 p.m. EDT with Reverend Kim A. Hobby officiating and a full honors service conducted by the Sequatchie Valley Honor Guards.
Don will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery, Jasper, Tn.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Marion County Food Bank at marioncountyfoodbank.org.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, TN 37347.