Walter Stewart Redden Jr.

Redden, Walter Stewart, Jr., 90, lifelong resident of Jackson, Mississippi, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021, of natural causes. Walter was born on February 8, 1931, at home, in Pace, Mississippi, to Clara Rhodes Redden and Walter Stewart Redden Sr. Walter graduated from the University of Mississippi with a teaching degree in 1956. He was an avid Ole Miss fan and never missed a game. He joined the Air Force in 1951 to contribute to the Korean War effort. As a language specialist, he operated above the 38th parallel, endangering himself to serve his country. While intercepting Russian pilot’s messages as a linguist, Walter was a key player in the Korean War theater. After securing a position with Scott Foresman, selling text books, which he would retire from, Walter met the love of his life, Annette Cook Redden, through mutual friends, and married in 1958. In 1961, Walter and Annette were blessed with their only child, Walter Stewart Redden III. Stewart was the light of their lives and brought so much joy. He and his son Stewart attended many Ole Miss games together. Walter and Annette were avid readers and champions of education. Walter and Annette traveled the world. They distributed books and educational materials to the people of Korea. In addition, Walter was a member of the Walter Scott Coffee Club, volunteered at Jackson Hospital, volunteered at the Bond Home as choir director for 14 years, volunteered at the Radio Reading Service of MS reading newspaper and books on air, a human interest writer for the Northside Sun in Jackson, and a Mason/Shriner. In 2017, Walter was chosen to by the Honor Flight Network as a Korean War Veteran to fly to Washington, D.C., visit war memorials. He was escorted by Christopher Spencer, a firehouse Captain in Naples, FL, on the honor flight, and a great friendship developed. That was Walter, a friend to everyone and enemy to none. He blessed everyone he met and kept the faith of Jesus Christ in everything he did or touched. Walter’s legacy is a lesson to all on how to live your best life through Christ. Walter is preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Annette Cook Redden. He is survived by his son Walter Stewart Redden, III (April), and his granddaughter, Alexandria Redden Knight (Gavin), sister Margaret Redden Dodez of Phoenix, Arizona, several nephews and nieces. Donations can be made in Walter’s honor to your local Honor Flight Program or Riverview Baptist Church in Jackson, MS.