Pattonsburg, MO: William Eugene (Gene) Walker, 77, of Pattonsburg, MO, passed peacefully in the presence of his two daughters and son-in-law on Thursday, April 10, 2024.
Gene was born on December 24, 1947, in McFall, MO, to parents Todd and Gertrude (Hibbs) Walker. He was welcomed into the world by his big sisters, Elaine and Joyce. His younger brother, Jim, arrived a few years later. Gene spent his childhood in McFall and attended school there until fourth grade, when the district consolidated with Pattonsburg. He graduated from Pattonsburg High School in May of 1965.
Gene spent the next few years working before enlisting in the Army, beginning active duty in 1967. He served in Texas and Georgia before completing his tour in Germany and was honorably discharged in February 1970 as an E-5. During his service, Gene was selected to be an instructor—an experience that unknowingly set the foundation for his long and impactful career in education.
While home on leave, Gene met his future wife, Kathy June Pittsenbarger, at a Pattonsburg basketball game. They were married on December 27, 1968, amid a blizzard. Gene and KJ spent almost 53 years together until her passing in September 2021.
After completing his military service, Gene returned to Pattonsburg and enrolled at Missouri Western State College. While attending classes full-time, he also worked at Pete Gardner’s gas station on Highway 69 during the expansion of I-35. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1974 and began his teaching career that fall at Harrison County R-IV in Gilman City, serving as the high school science teacher. He was also designated Sophomore Class sponsor—likely because no other teacher was brave enough to take it on. Gene not only grew to love those kids but also chaperoned their senior trip (with a pregnant Kathy!) in 1977 and attended their 25th class reunion years later. His time at Gilman City brought him mentors and lifelong friends—turned brothers and poker buddies—Nylen Lewis and Tom McDaniel. During this time, Gene pursued further education at Northwest Missouri State University, earning his Master of Science in Education in 1977. He then served as the high school principal at North Harrison R-III in Eagleville until 1979, where he continued to impact young lives. While Principal, he completed his Educational Specialist degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1979, and soon after began his tenure as Superintendent of Pattonsburg R-II. Mr. Walker’s years leading Pattonsburg Schools were filled with both blessings and heartbreak, both of which he navigated with grace, leadership, and strength. He later completed his Doctorate in Education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. His deep commitment to his hometown school and its students carried him through more than 20 years as Superintendent, until his retirement in the summer of 2000. Few will ever fully understand the personal sacrifices Mr. Walker made on behalf of the school, the community, and its young people. After retirement, he briefly returned to the classroom, teaching science part-time at Tri-County R-VII in Jamesport from 2001 to 2003.
Gene’s dedication to his community extended far beyond the walls of the school. He served multiple terms as City Councilman and Mayor—including during the relocation of the town following the 1993 flood. He was a charter member and president of the Northwest Leadership Academy for school administrators, a member of the Lions Club, AF & AM Lodge, Pattonsburg Chamber of Commerce, and most recently served on the Daviess County 911 Board. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at a young age and was a member of Pattonsburg Baptist Church.
While Gene’s career and community were extremely important to him, his main priority in life was always his family. Jennifer Jaye was born in October 1977 during Pattonsburg’s Bicentennial, while Gene was serving as Mayor. In December 1981, Kristin Kaye arrived—shortly after Gene had checked roads and called off school due to a snowstorm. He was a “girl dad” long before the phrase became popular. Gene’s love for his daughters was boundless. He was always ready to fix his girls’ things – baby buggies, cars, appliances—and even a few broken hearts—while instilling strength and independence in them. He was delighted when both daughters became second generation Mizzou alumni. If you’ve met his daughters, you know him. If you’ve met Gene, you know about his daughters.
After spending over two decades as the lone male member of the “Walker Four”, Gene finally got some company when Chris and Zachary joined the family in February 2003. Gene and KJ doted on little Zach and he always enjoyed his visits to The Burg. He gained his favorite title ever, “Poppy” in April 2005 with the birth of his first granddaughter, Laila Jaye. In March of 2008 his middle kid bestie Jaida Christal joined the family. The granddaughter tri-fecta was complete in July 2011 when the baby and his lefty buddy Gia Kristin arrived. Poppy could be found helping with science homework, attending softball tournaments, dance recitals, and volleyball games—even during his final months. The Little Dears were spoiled with unconditional love, attention and a custom built by Poppy playhouse. His texts often included a bunch of grapes and a heart emoji, symbolizing “love you bunches.” His heart was made whole in October 2013 with the formal addition of Sidney.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathy; his parents, Todd and Gertrude Walker; his in-laws, Junior and Lois (Simpson) Pittsenbarger; his sister, Elaine; and a stillborn granddaughter. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Jaye Walker-Troxler and Kristin Kaye Walker-Smith; sons-in-law, Christopher Troxler and Sidney Smith, all of Kansas City, MO; grandson, Zach, of Fort Worth, TX; and granddaughters, Laila Jaye, Jaida Christal, and Gia Kristin. He is also survived by siblings Joyce Macrander and Jim (Janie) Walker; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, lifelong friends and neighbors, and poker buddies.
Gene was blessed to have many compassionate caregivers, including Renee Rouse, Pattonsburg EMTs, and Kansas City Hospice. He was a humble, generous man with a quiet spark and a quick wit. If you were one of his “kids” throughout his career, you knew you were treated with fairness, respect, and genuine care—not just as a student, but as a person. Gene will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19th at Pattonsburg High School, Pattonsburg, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Pattonsburg, MO. Burial with Military Rites will follow in Pattonsburg Memorial Gardens, Pattonsburg, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Friday at the school. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gene & Kathy Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund or Pattonsburg Memorial Gardens, in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 152, Pattonsburg, MO 64670, and/or Kansas City Hospice (https://kchospice.org/donate). Online condolences may be shared at www.robersonfuneralhome.com