Monte Jack Driskell Laid to Rest in Lovelady
Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
HOUSTON COUNTY – Monte Jack Driskell, the revered East Texas coach and community leader whose name graces the Crockett High School stadium, was laid to rest Tuesday in his hometown of Lovelady. He passed away Friday, July 18, at age 90.
Driskell was more than a football coach—he was a mentor, motivator, and father figure to generations of athletes across multiple decades. His leadership helped shape the identity of athletic programs in Groveton, Lovelady, and especially Crockett, where he left an enduring legacy.
Born Sept. 29, 1934, in Lovelady to Joe Judson Driskell and Ople Irene Monzingo Driskell, Driskell graduated from Lovelady High School in 1952. He earned a basketball scholarship to Wharton County Junior College, where he met the love of his life, Janet. The two married and recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.
Driskell transferred to Sam Houston State University, where he played basketball and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1957. He completed his master’s degree in 1961, the same year he was named head coach and athletic director in Groveton, having begun coaching there in 1957.
In 1966, Driskell moved to Crockett to serve as head coach and athletic director of the Bulldogs, a role he held until 1971. After three years coaching at Sam Houston State, he returned to high school athletics, taking over at his alma mater in Lovelady from 1974 to 1981. In 1981, he returned to Crockett High School, where he coached until retiring in 1999.
Driskell’s career record as a head coach was an impressive 292-82-9. His impact was recognized with multiple honors: induction into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Sam Houston State University Hall of Fame, both in 1988.
Crockett High School stadium, built in 1987, was officially named Monte Jack Driskell Stadium in 2010, honoring the man who had become synonymous with Bulldog football. In 2022, Driskell was inducted into the Crockett ISD Ring of Honor, adding his name to those honored at the stadium which bares his name.
Survivors include his wife Janet; children Cheryl Driskell and Janet Hablinski of Lake Livingston, Dusty and Mary Driskell, and Jamie and Emily Driskell; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joe Lynn Driskell, and sister Judy Shoemaker.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Old Lovelady Gym, where Driskell once played and later coached. He was laid to rest at Lovelady Evergreen Cemetery, surrounded by family, friends, and former players who continue to carry his influence.
For the communities he served, Monte Jack Driskell was more than a coach—he was a cornerstone, and his name will echo beneath Friday night lights for years to come.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
