Walter Edward Mischke, Jr.

He was born September 1, 1931 in Memphis, TN to Walter E. Mischke and Frances Covington Mischke. His father was a minister in the United Methodist Church, serving churches across West Tennessee and Western Kentucky from Memphis to Paducah. As a preacher’s kid, Walter had a home territory rather than a home town. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ellen Nelson.

Walter graduated from high school in 1949 in Fulton, KY. He was recruited to join the football team at UT Martin, where he enrolled in the engineering curriculum. During that year, he received his call to ministry, transferring as a sophomore to Murray State University, where he pursued a liberal arts curriculum, graduating in 1953. While at Murray State, he met JoAnn Burkett of Mayfield, KY and they were married on August 31, 1952. After 58 years of marriage, JoAnn died on May 25, 2010. They had three children, Steven (Marilou), Philip (Lisa), and Paula (Donald); the total family members included 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Following graduation from college in 1953, Walter enrolled at the seminary of Bethel College, which later became Memphis Theological Seminary, to pursue theological education. The following year, he transferred to Vanderbilt Divinity School, graduating in 1956 with a Master of Divinity degree. Ordained into the ministry of the United Methodist Church, he served churches across West Tennessee and Western Kentucky. In the late 1970’s, Walter enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, receiving his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1982. In 1993, he retired from active ministry following his pastorate at First United Methodist Church in Jackson, TN. Approaching retirement, he and JoAnn built their retirement home in Jackson, where JoAnn grew an expansive flower garden and Walter enjoyed his hobbies of woodworking, fishing, and golf. They were both avid readers.

On a blind date in the spring of 2011, Walter met Linda Forbes Douty of Memphis, TN. One year later, March 11, 2012, Linda and Walter married to live in Memphis where they attended St. John’s UMC and later, St. Edward Chapel at Trezevant Manor. Linda’s two sons, David and Harison, and their families were added to this blessed union.

In early June 2015, Linda and Walter moved into Trezevant Episcopal Retirement Home of Memphis. Cherishing their lives there within the comfort, security, and provision of lifecare, they have been surrounded by many new friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Ridgecrest Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 1:00 pm at St. Edward Chapel at Trezevant Manor. The family will receive friends following the service in the parlor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to St. John’s United Methodist Church in Memphis, TN.