Walter Eddlemon, age 82, of Malvern, AR, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025. He was born in Hot Springs, AR to Carrie Carter and William Eddlemon in 1942. Through tragedy he grew up in orphanages and foster care and was separated from his siblings for many years. One memorable foster family for Walt was Preston Morrison who changed his life, and meant so much to him. As a father figure, Preston is who taught Walt his love for hunting and fishing and Walt wanted to share that with his children. Walt and his brothers Charlie and Larry (adopted as Glenn James), sisters, Betty Zuardo (Russ) and Barbara Spoon (Joe) were separated and grew up in different orphanages and with different family members, but later connected.

Survivors are his wife of 29 years, Christie; sons, Wes and Michael; step daughters, Shari Van Houten, Tracy Humphrey, and Cindy Beene. He was also "Papa Walt" to Lenzie and Landon Humphrey, whom he loved to read sporting magazines with.

Walt was a visionary and a forward-thinking man, self-taught through his readings.  He organized the union at Chamberdoor before he moved into management and continued working for 40 years. Walt opened Walt's Liquor Store in two different locations. Walt's days would start at 4 am and end at 9 – 10 pm. He also cut firewood on the firewood on the side to support his five children.

Later Walt started a local part-time truck hauling business. Walt's beautiful, talented hands built, created and fixed so many things. Walt loved learning and doing. He went to a solar class and was one of the first to get solar panels. Foremost in his mind was providing a stable home life. He had many lifelong friends; I always joked with him that he either bowled with, or hauled dirt, with half of the people in Garland and Hot Spring County. Walt loved a good joke even after he got sick. He was a fair and just man who enjoyed birthdays with his kids, road trips all over Arkansas, hunting, fishing, dancing with the Spa City Bop and Swing Dance Club, boating, and helping care for his mother in-law, Mama Jean. Walt was a strong, caring man who worked hard and believed in God and our Methodist Church. Walt was the smart one. The "keeper of the stars" knew what he was doing and when he joined these two hearts.

Special thanks to all the physical therapists at Lake Hamilton, NPMC, and Encore who worked so hard to restore Walt's body, soul and life, and to the caregivers Kali and Taylor, Brie and Noah, Sam, Leah, Patty and many who were so devoted to him. In honor of Walt please visit and donate to orphanages and foster care.

Walt requested that he be cremated so his ashes could remain close to people and places he loved.

A Memorial service will be announced at a later date.