Walter Earl Forster

For more information and to share your memories and photos, please visit the Remembrance Page. 

With deep respect and immense love, we remember the life of Walter "Earl" Forster, who passed away on May 24, 2024.

Born and raised in McEwen, TN, Earl excelled in sports, earned honors as Salutatorian and served as president of his high school class.  He served overseas during the Korean War and upon return to the US made his way to Flint, MI with his brothers to look for work in the auto industry.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Jo Ellen, and raised 3 sons.  Earl retired from General Motors after 33 years and returned to McEwen to be close to his parents and family roots.  Earl and Jo Ellen were very involved in the church and local community.  In the years before her death they took several vacations traveling with other retired couples all over the US and Canada.

His dedication to the McEwen Church of Christ spanned over 30 years, reflecting his deep-rooted faith and love for his community. Like the scripture says in Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV), "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Earl cherished his faith and his family above all else.

Earl’s love for the Yankees was only matched by the pride he held for his service in the US Army during the Korean War.

Earl was a talented handyman, always ready to lend a hand where needed. His ability to fix almost anything was a testament to his resourcefulness and determination. He was a kind man, always helpful, and his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the numerous hearts he warmed.

Each of his days was filled with the love and respect he had for his family, and his absence will be deeply felt. His memory will forever be engraved in the hearts of those who loved him.

As we pay tribute to Earl’s life, we invite you to share your memories of him and upload photos to his memorial page. By doing so, we can celebrate Earl's unique qualities and accomplishments, and keep his memory alive in our hearts. Let us remember Earl for who he was: a reliable, talented, compassionate, and loyal man who lived his life with grace, love, and an unwavering faith in Christ.

Visitation: will begin on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 5 – 7 PM at the McEwen Church of Christ and will continue on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 11:00 AM – until time of services.

Funeral Service: will begin at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 31, 2024 at the McEwen Church of Christ.

Interment: will follow in Meadowlawn Cemetery in McEwen, TN.

Survived by: 

Sons:

  David Forster (Lisa) of Smyrna, TN

  Mark Forster (Kim) of McEwen, TN

  John Forster of Nashville, TN

Grandchildren:

  Kyle, Josh (Megan), Jake, Julianne, Ethan, and Emily

As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: 

Parents: William and Nellie (Choate) Forster

Wife: Jo Ellen Forster

Daughter-in-Law: Stacy Forster

Brothers: William, Lee, James Carl, and John Weldon Forster

Sister: Coralene Harris

Arrangements by Spann Funeral Home & Cremation Services (615) 446-1123