Dr. John Paul Walter

He was a graduate of Subiaco Academy. He attended Benedictine College and North Texas State University. He finished his formal education at the University of Notre Dame with a PhD in Economics. During his doctoral work he spent a year in Columbia as a United Nations (UNICEF) Fellow. In addition John was also chosen as a Fulbright Scholar.

John was employed by Shell Oil Company in Corporate Planning, International Exploration and Production, and Oil and Chemical Products Marketing. In the course of his employment in the oil industry John traveled the world.

Sharing his knowledge and expertise with others has been a major emphasis in John’s professional career. In addition to more than a hundred professional papers, articles and major speeches, John has been a Visiting Lecturer or Adjunct Faculty member at eleven different institutions of higher education including Notre Dame University and Subiaco Academy.

He was a leading spokesperson and advocate for the practice of alternative medicine in Texas. He wrote several books on various aspects of alternative medicine. He served on the Board of Directors of the Acupuncture Association of Texas and was named Acupuncture Pioneer of the Century for his efforts in bringing the practice of acupuncture to the United States.

John was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Anna Walter and sister, Betty Sicking.

John is survived by his wife, Kim of Fort Smith; a daughter Meghan and her husband Hutch Preston of Lowell; son, Michael Baldwin of Fort Smith; a brother and three sisters: James Walter of Hammond, LA, Mary Jo Graham of Gainesville, TX, Florence Blevins of Kerrville, TX, and Rita Chapman of Plano, TX; mother-in-law, Juanita Perry of Fort Smith; brother and sister-in-law Brad and Lisa Jolly and nephews Matthew, Alex, and Weston Jolly all of Hot Springs. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law Richard Perry.

Even though John accomplished many things in his professional life, his greatest joy was found in his faith, his wife Kim, and his family. Another joy in his life was animals especially his three cats: Panda, Chica, and Chi. Even as his illness progressed, with the help of his friend Jerome Flusche, he attended mass daily and lit candles for those in need. John will be remembered for his generous heart, gentle spirit and love for life.

Rosary will be said on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 6:00 PM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel and Mass will be said on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 1:00 PM in the St. Benedict Catholic Church at Subiaco, AR all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerome Flusche, Michael Baldwin, Hutch Preston, Brad Jolly, “Doc” Gallagher, Louis Louis Louis, Emesto Marcos, and the Notre Dame Gang.

Memorials may be made to the Subiaco Academy 81 West Parish Dr. Subiaco, AR 72865 Fountain of Youth Adult Day Center 2409 North 56th Fort Smith, AR 72904 of the Alzheimer’s Association 320 Greenwood Fort Smith, AR 72901

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com