Walter L. Eschbach, 98, of Sunset Hills, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 15, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family, service, and environmental stewardship. A loving husband, father and grandfather – World War II veteran, accomplished organist, book author, and dedicated conservationist, Walter devoted his life to protecting Missouri’s open spaces and preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.
Walter was born and raised in St. Louis. Immediately following graduation from Normandy High School, he signed up to serve in the final months of World War II. After returning from the European Theater with injuries sustained during his service, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree at Washington University. He eventually achieved two master’s degrees in city planning from St. Louis University and served for 35 years with the St. Louis City Department of Housing and Urban Development. While his professional career centered on urban planning, Walter’s true passion lay in land preservation. He believed wholeheartedly that public parks were not a luxury, but an essential part of every community.
In 1965, he became a founding member of the St. Louis Open Space Council, serving actively for more than 37 years and helping to preserve thousands of acres of parkland in the region. Among his many achievements was playing a key role in securing 998 acres along the Highway 44 corridor, now the Forest 44 Conservation Area. He was also instrumental in establishing the Nancy Eschbach Forest River Trail Park in Sunset Hills, named in honor of his late wife. In 2022, a park bench was dedicated in his honor to commemorate his lifelong commitment to conservation. (He would love for you to visit this beautiful little park!)
Mr. Eschbach also authored three historical books—The Clayton 04: A Kaleidoscope of Streetcar Memories, Historic Sites of Jefferson County, Missouri, and Down by the Gravois—which remain in local library collections today.
For a span of 20 years, Walter served as an organist at several churches in St. Louis, offering his musical talents with dedication every Sunday morning. It was at the piano, during a recital rehearsal in the church basement, where he met his bride of 60 years, his late wife, Nancy (Davidson) Eschbach.
He is survived by his children, Linda Thompson, Carolyn Bottila, Elizabeth Carter, and David Eschbach, and five grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, on Friday, October 2 at 1:30pm. Meet at the Sylvan Springs Park (Sheridan Rd. and Boundary Rd. at 1:15 pm). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Louis Open Space Council or a conservation charity of your choice.