Groesbeck ISD Announces Shuttle Service for Trooper Chad Walker’s Funeral

Last week, details were released about the funeral of slain State Trooper Chad Walker in his hometown of Groesbeck. Now we're learning more about how mourners will be able to get transportation to what's expected to be a crowded memorial service at Walker's alma mater.

Trooper Walker's funeral is set to begin at 10 AM Wednesday, April 7 at Groesbeck ISD's Goat Stadium. Classes for the day have been cancelled, though the Kids Kare Academy program will be open for its regular hours.

Organizers must be anticipating a big crowd, because they're going to be offering shuttle service to those who want to attend the funeral and pay their respects to the state trooper who died in the line of duty late last month.

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Groesbeck ISD Superintendent James B. Cowley says Groesbeck High School will have limited parking, and no handicapped parking will be available there. (More on that below.) He asked that only citizens who will be part of the funeral procession park at Groesbeck High.

Parking will be available at H.O. Whitehurst Elementary, Enge-Washington Intermediate School, Groesbeck Middle School, and the Groesbeck City Park Baseball Complex. Shuttle service from these locations to Groesbeck High will begin at 8:10 AM. The last shuttles will leave at 9:35 AM. Shuttle service back to the parking areas will resume after Trooper Walker's remains have exited Goat Stadium.

Groesbeck Middle School will be designated as handicapped parking, so please consider that when planning where you'll park. Shuttles from this parking area will be equipped with wheelchair lifts.

If you're not able to be physically present at the funeral but want to watch in honor of Trooper Walker, our partners at News 10 will be live streaming the service. Check kwtx.com and the News 10 Facebook page for updates and details.

I don't mean to sound insensitive when I say this because I know a man's life was lost, but at times like these I try to look at the positive things that emerge from a tragedy.

Trooper Walker was an organ donor, and his gift is sure to help people in need get a second chance at life. His family has requested that in lieu of sending flowers, people donate to one the charities listed here which were near and dear to Trooper Walker's heart.

On Saturday, April 3, 12-year-old Florida boy Zechariah Cartledge ran two miles in honor of Trooper Walker on behalf of Running4Heroes - a non-profit he helped found that raises funds for the families of first responders who've died in the line of duty.

Additionally, 5th grade student Aubrey Waits of Crockett, Texas raised about $10,000 in donations in honor of Trooper Walker and his family while showing her market hog at the Houston County Fair.

Nothing can bring Trooper Walker back and give his family the time they'll now miss with him, but if he's looking down on us from somewhere, I like to think he's touched by the generosity that his life and legacy have inspired.