Walter "Coach" Killian

WALTER KILLIAN was born on January 3, 1938 to Priscilla and Walter Killian, Jr. in Crowville, Louisiana. Walter was the oldest of three children. The family moved to Cleveland when Walter was a young child. Walter attended Cleveland public schools where he excelled at both academics and athletics. While attending East Technical High School, he won many honors as a starter on East Tech's championship basketball team and in track and field as the state high jumping champion. Walter's academic skill and athletic talent earned him a full scholarship to Bowling Green University where he was a national high jumping champion and basketball player. Walter was also a talented artist. As a young man he was chosen twice to exhibit his work during the Cleveland Art Museum's annual May amateur art exhibit. After earning his bachelors degree in English and commercial arts from Bowling Green, he went on to receive his Masters degree from Kent State University. Walter married in 1962 and of that union were born two children, Karen Leigh Killian and Walter Keith Killian. Walter had a life long commitment to education and sports, becoming a teacher, assistant principal and athletic director. He was best known for his accomplishments as a basketball coach. Known as a" hoops legend", he has the distinction of having won more games than any other coach in the history of North Eastern Ohio. While working at East Tech, Kennedy and Shaw High Schools, Walter inspired many young people and continued to win honors and recognition. Walter was a devoted and loving father and a voracious reader who started each day with scripture. He also enjoyed drawing, playing chess and was a sports enthusiast. Walter Killian departed this life on Thursday, September 30, 2010. He leaves to cherish his memory; his long time companion Pearline Morrow; his daughter Karen Killian, son Walter Keith Killian, brother Rudy Killian, sister Earlene Johnson; grandchildren, great grandchild and a host of other loving family members and treasured friends. God saw you getting weary so he did what he saw best, He came and stood beside you and whispered, "come and rest."