Lafayette - Jackie "Jack" Dean Walter, 84, Lafayette and formerly of Attica, passed away in the Mulberry Health & Rehabilitation Center, Mulberry, IN on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 7:34 a.m.
"Jack" or "Coach" was born in Lafayette, Indiana on September 9, 1938. He was the son of the late John William "Bill" and Nina Florence (Simonson) Walter. Jack was raised in Attica, graduating from Attica High School He went on to receive his bachelor's degree in education from Indiana State University. He later received his masters degree in education from Butler University.
Jack went on to teach accounting and coach basketball and tennis. He first taught at North Central High School in Indianapolis and later came back to his alma mater and coached basketball and tennis at Attica High School. His last position was Head Coach at Benton Central High School where he took his boys basketball team to the "Sweet Sixteen" in the state tournament. After leaving his career in education, Jack went on to become an insurance agent with State Farm Insurance Company in Lafayette. He served as an insurance agent for eighteen years until his retirement.
Jack developed a lot of respect and friendship through the years with his former students and athletes, who referred to him as "Coach" . He influenced many students who would go on to reflect that "they wouldn't be where they are without his encouragement and guidance".
Jack loved the outdoors, especially spending time at his cabin in southern Indiana and fishing on Lake Patoka. He enjoyed hunting and playing tennis with his late brother, Jeff. He was an avid follower of the Purdue men's and women's basketball programs and Purdue football. Jack would always take the time to learn about others and had a deep compassion for those in need.
Jack married Gelene C. (Crubaugh) Street on October 14, 1995 in Crawfordsville, IN.
Jack leaves behind his wife, Gelene of 27 years along with three children, Lisa (Steve) Reed, Warsaw, IN; Tim (Elizabeth) Walter, Troy, MI and Todd (Suzzette)Walter, McCordsville, IN; a step son, Tyler (Shelby) Street, Lafayette; seven grandchildren, Blake (Elizabeth) Reed, Emily, Mallory (Michael) Mace, Grant (Kayla) Reed, Ashley(Casey)Mogle, Katie Walter and Aayla Street; a step granddaughter, Aayla Street, with her grandpa calling her "Say Say"; seven great grandchildren, Brann, Emmett, Wyatt, Rhett, Parker, Aldrein and Carsyn. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jeffrey.
Jack felt strongly about tissue donation and became a donor after his passing. He will be laid to rest next to his parents in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica with a celebration of his life with his family held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Samaritan's Purse, Gideon Bibles or the Wounded Warriors Project.