Walter Lockhart

Walter (affectionately known by loved ones as Dub) attended Mississippi State University and graduated from Bethel College. He received his Master of Divinity Degree from Memphis Theological Seminary and served as Associate Pastor at both Covenant Presbyterian Church (USA) and Whitehaven Presbyterian (USA) in Memphis before moving to Trenton in 1974. In Trenton, he found his true calling as pastor, serving First Presbyterian Church (USA) for 32 years and quickly becoming a community leader. Being selected to attend the Presbyterian General Assembly on three separate occasions, he was also Grand Marshal of the Teapot Festival and named “Person of the Year” by the Greater Gibson County Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the Trenton Ministerial Association, the Rotary Club; President of the Kiwanis Club; member of the YMCA Board of Directors; Chaplain for the Trenton Police Department, served on the Ethics Committee of Gibson General Hospital and was an active hospice volunteer. He also served the First Presbyterian Church of Fruitland, TN.

For over thirty years he was the voice of the Peabody Golden Tide football announcing every Friday night from Freed Field and beginning the sporting event with a prayer. He was on the community board that was instrumental in the creation of Trenton Nite Light Theatre, and actually participated in their first production. In 1995, celebrating his 20th church anniversary, the First Presbyterian congregation surprised he and Lois with a three week trip to Scotland where they completed a summer course in theology at the University of St. Andrew. Naturally, he played the Old Course at St. Andrews Links as well. Upon retiring in 2006 he served as Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Caruthersville, MO and First Presbyterian Church in Tiptonville, TN.

An avid outdoorsman (loving when the seasons changed from hunting to fishing), master gardener and carpenter, Walter truly enjoyed being active. In fact, he often said “never stop doing things – whether work or play but enjoy everything you do – you’ll live longer!” Known for never meeting a stranger, he always wore a smile. During his 81 years he touched countless number of lives through his preaching, caring, visiting the sick, comforting the bereaved and shepherding others. A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend – his energy, kindness and wit will be missed by many.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Lois Vaughn Lockhart and children Horace Todd Lockhart (Hally) of Brentwood,TN and Angela Kay Partee (Eric) of Trenton, TN; grandchildren Lindsay Lockhart Tomlinson (Josh) of Nashville, TN; Katelyn Partee Orgain (Jeff) of Trenton, TN; Austin Lockhart (Heather) of Nashville, TN; Hunter Partee (Anna) of Trenton, TN; Sergeant Baker Lockhart of Ft. Drum, NY; great granddaughter Maclean Orgain; future great grandson Tomlinson; brother Bill Lockhart of Madison, AL; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Walter Narvin Lockhart, Sr. and Lessie Mixon; sisters Irene Studdard and Juanita Newton

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, December 21 at 1:00 at First Presbyterian Church in Trenton, with visitation following in the Fellowship Hall. Donations may be made in his memory to First Presbyterian Church, 503 S. High Street, Trenton, TN 38382 or to the Charity of your choice. The family would like to thank all who cared for Walter and prayed for them. He was truly God’s good and faithful servant and is now in His presence saying, “Put me in Coach, I’m ready to play”!