Eugene Walker

Eugene Allen Walker

February 21, 1950 – September 26, 2025

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Coach, and Friend

Eugene Allen Walker was born on February 21, 1950, in Delano, California, to Lula Faye and Delmar Walker. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, hard work, and devotion to the family, sport, and community he loved.

Gene was a proud three-sport athlete at South Bakersfield High School, competing in football, wrestling, and baseball. His true passion, however, was wrestling. During his years at South High, Gene was a member of two CIF Valley Championship teams and placed twice in the South Yosemite League, winning the title in 1967. He was also a three-time Central Section placer, winning both the AAU Junior North JC Championships and the AAU Western Section title.

After high school, Gene attended Bakersfield College, where he became a two-time All-American, placing 3rd in 1969 and 1970. He continued his wrestling career at Idaho State University, where he became a MIWA Champion and Western Regional Champion.

Gene began his coaching career at Cal State Bakersfield University and later transitioned to South Bakersfield High School, where he coached from 1977 to 1993. During those years, he coached alongside one of his best friends, Mike Stricker—together, they were known as the dynamic duo, whose leadership and camaraderie shaped generations of athletes. Under their guidance, the South High Rebels achieved four section championships, five SYL Championships, two Valley Championships, and 41 CIF state appearances. Gene coached 26 state qualifiers, 9 state placers, and 1 CIF state champion. Among his many honors, he was a two-time Kern County Coach of the Year and was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame on June 1, 2024.

After moving to Oregon in 1993, Gene continued to share his love for wrestling. Beginning in 1997, he coached at Fremont Middle School for six years, leading his team to six consecutive undefeated dual-meet seasons. His unwavering commitment to developing young athletes reflected his lifelong belief that wrestling builds both character and resilience.

Gene returned home to Bakersfield, California, in 2003. The following year, in 2004, he began serving as Athletic Director and wrestling coach at Cesar Chavez High School in Delano, where he continued to inspire and lead young athletes for four years until his retirement.

Beyond athletics, Gene’s greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted husband to Teresa Lynn Walker, whom he married in 1973, and a loving father to his daughters Heidi (Walker) Priest and Heather (Walker) Nelsen. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Tyler Raper, James Priest, Austin Walker, Cody Walker, McKenzie Miller, Jarad Priest, Jarren Osborne Walker, Madison Miller, Beau Priest, and Braden Priest. His sons-in-law, Rick Priest and Joshua Nelsen, were blessed to be married to his beloved daughters and to share in the Walker family’s deep love and traditions.

Gene was also a proud great-grandfather to Kyndyl Walker, Weston Raper, Wyatt Raper, and Walker Raper, who will continue to carry his love and legacy forward.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Gene was an avid Oregon Ducks fan and spent the last 20 years living in beautiful Oregon, where he enjoyed nature, family, and the peaceful lifestyle he so valued.

Gene also loved traveling with Terri, exploring new places and making lifelong memories together. Their travels took them to Whidbey Island, Washington; Victoria and Whistler, British Columbia; St. Martin; Maui and Kauai, Hawaii; Puerto Vallarta; Puerto Nuevo; Nassau, Bahamas; Puerto Rico; and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For nine years, they journeyed between California and Oregon in their beloved vintage trailer, visiting favorite destinations such as Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano, and Shasta Lake in California, and Myrtle Creek, Bend, Bandon, Brookings, Florence, and along the North Umpqua River in Oregon. These adventures reflected Gene’s appreciation for nature, the open road, and the simple joy of sharing experiences with the love of his life.

Gene’s influence extended far beyond the wrestling mat. He touched countless lives through his mentorship, humility, and faith. His athletes, colleagues, and family will remember him as a man who inspired excellence, believed in hard work, and always led by example.

In honor of Gene’s lifelong passion for wrestling and to continue his love for the sport in Bakersfield, California, the family requests that donations be made to the Coyote Club under the direction of Mike Stricker, supporting the next generation of wrestlers and the community Gene so deeply cared for.

https://venmo.com/u/Mike-Stricker-4

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the honor to know him.