Patricia Leanne Walker Springfield Obituary

Patricia Leanne Walker

<p>Patricia White Walker died in her home on March 6, 2023. She was born August 24, 1932, in Skiatook, Oklahoma to Peter Zinn and Bradda Rene Minor. Pat was raised in Pierce City, Missouri by her maternal grandparents, Brad and Mary Alice Minor, before moving to Iowa to live with her brothers, mother and adoptive father Jack J. White. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1954. Pat married William Michael Walker on June 21, 1952. They had 2 children Michael Franklin Walker and Lee Ann Walker. The family moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1959. Pat was always involved in the community and was a leader in many organizations including Community Foundation of the Ozarks, American Association of University Women, and Junior League of Springfield. She was President of Dogwood Trails Girl Scout Council, an officer in the Missouri Medical Auxiliary and was an officer of the Auxiliary to the national American Medical Association. Pat served as President of the Visiting Nurse Association, Chair of the Ozark Public Television Board of Directors, was active on the Springfield Greene County Library Foundation Board of Directors and served on the Wilson’s Creek Battlefield Foundation for many years.</p><p><br></p><p>She was the visionary who established Meals on Wheels and the first hospice care in Springfield in 1980. Pat was passionate about helping people and was involved in founding Legal Aid of Southwest Missouri, founding Hospice of Southwest Missouri, and was selected as a founding board member of Lost &amp; Found Grief Center. Pat loved the history of Springfield and was a frequent speaker about every aspect of its growth. She spent years bringing Founders Park from dirt to reality in downtown Springfield. Pat was a skilled Parliamentarian and was often asked to train local boards and organizations in proper procedures and governance. She was honored by the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association with its Liberty Bell Award, was awarded the Springfield Gift of Time Award, received the Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Humanitarium of the Year Award in 2006 and received an Honorary Doctor of Public Affairs by Missouri StateUniversity. To honor her more than 60 years of service, leadership and contributions to the community, the Missouri Public Affairs Academy, held annually at MSU, was named after her in 2018.</p><p><br></p><p>Pat is preceded in death by her husband Dr. William M. Walker, her parents Jack and Bradda White, and brothers Bradford White and Philip White. Pat is survived by her son Michael (Lana) Walker, grandchildren Christian Farabee, Stephanie (Lawrence) Gott, great-grandson Joesph Gott, daughter Lee Ann Walker, nieces Laurie and Barbara, and nephews Brad, Christian, Joseph and Brian.</p><p><br></p><p>Pat was a member of Queen of All Saints Catholic Church (SSPX) in Springfield. She requested no flowers. If you want to make a donation in her honor, please give to THE PAT WALKER GOOD COMMUNITY FUND at The Community Foundation of the Ozarks in Springfield, MO.</p><p><br></p><p>Visitation will be from 5 pm to 6 pm Monday, March 13, 2023 in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home with Rosary services to begin at 6 pm. Funeral Mass will be at 10 am Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church with Father Scott Graves presiding over services.</p>
August 24, 1932 - March 6, 202308/24/193203/06/2023
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Patricia

An environmentally friendly option
1 tree planted in memory of Patricia Leanne Walker.
A
Anonymous
March 13, 2023
Mike..we are sorry for your familys loss. Peace and our prayers are with you.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Patricia Leanne Walker.

A tree was also planted in memory of Patricia Leanne Walker.