Rex Howard Walker, 86, departed this life and entered his heavenly home

on Sunday, March 5, 2017, with his loving family by his side. Rex was born August 29, 1930, in Buffalo, MO, the son of Howard Thompson and Hazel Jenny (Bone) Walker.

Rex was first and foremost a child of Christ. His faith was grounded and strong. His grandfather Virgil Walker was a minister, and Rex's love of the Lord came early in life. Rex was a loving husband to his wife of 64 years Jo Anne Walker, a loving father to his children Bill, Kelly, Rusty, and Jana, and a proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren whom he bragged about constantly.

In 1950, Rex joined the United States Army and was assigned as a Pontoneer. Rex received an honorable discharge on May 7, 1951, after an illness. His love of his country was unwavering. He prayed over our men and women in harms way and our country's leaders often.

Rex graduated from what is now Missouri State University with an education degree, played football there, and obtained a master's degree in psychology from his Alma Mater. He taught at Eugene, MO, and Republic, MO, before arriving at Central High School in Springfield, MO, in 1957. There he left his legacy. He coached football, track, girl's basketball, sponsored the student council, and even sponsored the cheerleaders when no one was available to fill the position. Rex stated in a newspaper article that "Really getting involved in extracurricular activities helps you enjoy teaching more. You get to know the students outside the regular classroom environment, and it enables you to know them better."

His hobbies included hours of fishing and hunting with friends and family, serving on the Stone County Planning and Zoning committee, being a volunteer fire fighter, and an active member of Cedar Ridge Baptist Church.

Preceded in death by his father Howard and mother Hazel, Rex is survived by his loving wife JoAnne (Brewer) Walker; three sons-William Rex Walker and wife Dolores; Kelly Jo Walker and wife Nancy, all of Springfield, MO; Russell John Walker and wife Shona of Nixa, MO-one daughter Jana Sue Wilson and husband John of Aurora, MO; grandchildren: Sean Walker and wife Katrina of Pasco, Washington; Kelsey Drochelman and husband John of St. Louis, MO; Kaylor Walker and wife Meaghan of Springfield, MO; Ashley Call and husband Donald of Reeds Spring, MO; Alexander Walker of Nixa, MO; Livee Bellah and husband Billy of Miller, MO; Ethan Wilson and wife Morgan of Kansas City, MO; great grandchildren: Devin Walker, Karter Walker, Bry Drochelman, Mikelynn Call, Cayden Call, Darian Sparkman, Nolan Sparkman, and Logan Sparkman; one brother Bill Virgil Walker and wife Jo; one sister-in-law Betty (Brewer) Atkinson, and many loved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 9:30 AM Friday, March 10, 2017 with a memorial service beginning at 9:30 AM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors will follow at 11:00 AM in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Ridge Baptist Church, 742 Buttermilk Springs Road, Galena, MO 65656.