Clifford Leon Walker Sr.

“Coach” Clifford Leon Walker Sr.
June 1, 1933 – November 14, 2025

Clifford Leon Walker Sr. entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the age of 92, having placed his faith in Christ Jesus for salvation, during his recent illness.

Clifford was born during the Great Depression on June 1, 1933 to the union of Barney and Joanna Walker in Fame, Oklahoma. He attended school in Eufaula, Oklahoma until he was called to work at a young age to help support his family. He enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955.

Following his service, Clifford relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he met and married Naomi Ruth Coatie on March 15, 1958. Clifford also began a long and distinguished career at AO Smith Corporation in 1956 as a journeyman welder and proud member of the Smith Steel Workers, Dalu 19806, AFL-CIO Labor Union. He retired from AO Smith in 1995, just 6 months shy of 40 years of dedicated employment.

Clifford, also known to many as “Coach” will be remembered most for the legacy he built through character, integrity, and professionalism. For more than 50 years he coached young boys and girls in baseball and basketball leaving an indelible mark on thousands of lives. He staunchly believed that sports was not just about having fun but teaching discipline, dedication, commitment, and sportsmanship. His coaching tenure included baseball through Beckum-Stapleton Little League and basketball at St. Boniface, St. Martin DePorres, Martin Luther King Jr., Holy Angels, St. Anne’s, St. Leo’s, St. Rose, and Messmer Prep grade schools.

Beyond the field and court, Clifford was just a phone call away for anyone in need of a car repair, household repair, or a ride. In his free time he cherished watching old Western movies, the WNBA, and studying the latest coaching techniques.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents Barney and Joanna Walker and 8 siblings, brothers Alford Walker, Eugene Walker, Barney Walker Jr. James Walker; and sisters Marie Lawrence, Joyce Watts, Vivian Ward, and Bernice Walker.

Clifford leaves to cherished his memory his devoted wife of 67 years, Naomi Walker. Together, they raised two children, Clifford Leon Walker Jr. and Lisa Diane Walker. He is also survived by granddaughters, Kalanda Duncan and Sharda Walker, great grandchildren, Kalaya Ousley, Kyla Harrell, Katelyn Williams, Kayden Williams, and Jayce Walker, great-great grandchild, Kai’ahni Beamon, fur babies, Tanner and Zoey, and a host of sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and friends.

The Walker family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark Rydlewicz of the Zablocki VA Medical Center for his years of care and to the Aurora Home Hospice Care team for their compassionate support during Clifford’s transition.

Committal will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

Memorial service to be held at a later date. Please check back for further information.

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