John Louis Walker, affectionately known as Johnny Walker, was born on March 8, 1945, in Conroe, Texas, to Watson and Estelle Walker. Johnny experienced a unique and colorful childhood, growing up in the Polk County Jail where his father served as sheriff from the time Johnny was three until he was 23. This unusual upbringing provided him with countless stories and cherished memories, fostering his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He had a rare gift to make everyone he encountered feel special and loved.
Johnny was not only known for warmth and charisma, but also for his love of sports. Growing up, he played four years of Little League baseball, making the All-Star team twice – one of those times coached by baseball coaching legend, Ross Hightower. After Little League, he advanced to Pony League play. In his final year of Pony League, his team – coached again by Mr. Hightower, along with Mr. Buck Owen – welcomed several additional All-Star players from Huntsville, Crockett and Corrigan. They advanced to the Pelican World Series in Alexandria, Louisiana, playing against some of the best teams in western Louisiana.
A proud 1963 graduate of Livingston High School, Johnny continued to excel in athletics, lettering in football (district champs ‘61-‘62), basketball, baseball (district champs ‘63), and track (district champs ‘62-‘63). During his freshman and senior years, he was selected by the coaching staff as the best all-around athlete. One of his highlights was being a member of the 1963 Class AA State Championship 440-yard relay team.
Johnny pursued higher education at Stephen F. Austin State University. He pledged with the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi in 1965, competed in intramural sports, and graduated with a BBA degree in 1968.
After a career in real estate and business, he remained active in the sports community, coaching youth sports and helping to co-found the Dunbar Sports Hall of Fame to give former Dunbar athletes the recognition they deserved. Johnny was a member of the committee to save Dunbar High School, a recipient of the Fighting Leopard Award, a member of the Nominating Committee for Dunbar High School for the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association, and a PVILCA life member since 2014. For his contributions, Johnny was honored with the Meritorious Award from the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association. Johnny’s work on these committees played an integral role in Paul Laurence Dunbar High School of Livingston, Texas being recognized as a historical landmark by the Texas Historical Commission in 2008.
Johnny was also proud of the life he built with Bebe, his devoted wife and partner of 50 years. They enjoyed adventures while fishing, traveling to Las Vegas where he was notoriously lucky, and traveling to Germany and Hawaii where his daughter was stationed.
Fifteen years ago, Johnny joined the staff at Cochran Funeral Home. Whether he was making first calls, parking cars, or comforting grieving families, Johnny always upheld the highest standards of the funeral profession, serving Cochran Funeral Home and the community with dedication and compassion.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved daughter, Jennifer Marie McCage. He is survived by his wife, Bebe, and their children: daughters Leigh Ann McCoy and Cathy Gips both from Austin, Texas, and sons Dan David Cryan, Jr. (Rhena) and Kenneth G. Cryan (Trudy), both from Sealy, Texas. Johnny’s legacy lives on through his 11 grandchildren: Christine Madison, AJ McCage, Blair McCage, Joseph McCage, Lauren McCoy, Trey Cryan, Patrick Cryan, Brett Cryan, Kayleen Moseley, Kendra Fitzhenry and Preston Cryan, as well as nine great-grandchildren (with more on the way!).
A celebration of Johnny’s remarkable life will be held on March 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas, on what would have been his 80th birthday. The service will be officiated by Bro. Harold Isaacs, with a reception immediately following.
Family and friends are invited to honor Johnny’s memory and sign the online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.
