Rev. John Franklin Walker Jr., age 83, of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021. John was born April 20, 1938 in Hope, AR to Erline (Smith) Walker and John Franklin Walker, Sr.
John was called into the ministry at an early age and began his education at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, where he earned a BSE degree. From there he moved on to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, earning his Master of Theology degree. After leaving SMU he moved on to St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO where he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree. John served as pastor and district superintendent to many United Methodist Churches in Arkansas. His first church to pastor was Morning Star United Methodist Church where he is now the Pastor Emeritus. He was also a Delegate to General, Jurisdictional & World conferences of the United Methodist Church. John was a member of the Melting Pot Genealogical Society.
John is survived by his loving wife, Joyce (Witherell) Walker; his son Dennis Walker (LouAnn); his granddaughter Allison Ruff (Adam), his granddaughter Kristin Titley (Paul), his great granddaughter Ellie Ruff, his great grandson Miller Ruff, his great granddaughter Lucy Ruff, his great grandson Silas Titley, his great granddaughter Charlotte Titley and his special niece Charity Nelson.
John was preceded in death by his son David Walker; his father John Franklin Walker, Sr.; his mother Erline (Smith) Walker and his sister Jessie Lou Walker Lusby.
John will be laid to rest in Morning Star Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Adam Ruff, Paul Titley, Shane Burrows, Hunter Nelson, Dave Fisher and Allen Palmer.
Honorary Pallbeares are Don & Pam Sluyter, Todd & Kim Piller, Bruce & Sandra Anderson, Rev. Mike Clayton and John Davis.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to Morning Star United Methodist Church, 3200 Spring Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901 or to a charity of your choice.
He was a wonderful husband, father and PaPaw and will be dearly missed.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the services will be private with a memorial service held at a future, post-pandemic, date.
