Peter William Zinkus Ph.D.

Peter William Zinkus, Ph.D., age 78, beloved husband and father, of Eads, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023, due to complications from a massive stroke and metastatic cancers. He was born December 4, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio, to William Joseph Zinkus and Shirley Anne Bock Zinkus. His family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1955. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan University. He married his wife and moved to Memphis in 1968, where he received his Ph.D. at Memphis State University.

Dr. Zinkus was in private practice for 52 years as a child psychologist. He always said, "Do what you love and love what you do." He truly loved his work and was working until his illness in December 2022. He was also a Clinical Assistant Professor with the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine, and the author of multiple publications including books and journals related to child psychology.

Dr. Zinkus loved all sports and going to his children's sporting events. He played golf, tennis, raced sport cars, and had his private pilot's license. Dr. Zinkus never met a stranger. He was a compassionate, humble, kind man with a great sense of humor. Although his family is heartbroken by his loss, Dr. Zinkus would not want us to be sad but rather rejoice in his memory.

"That man is a success--who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had." - Unknown.

Dr. Zinkus was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Matthew Wight Zinkus. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cathleen Bond Zinkus; his son, Dr. Timothy Peter Zinkus (Ashley) and their children, Trevor William Zinkus, Sidney Renee Zinkus, and Jacob Wesley Zinkus, all of Village of Loch Lloyd, Missouri; his son, Michael John Zinkus (Emily) and their son, Harry Matthew Zinkus, of Cordova, Tennessee; and his daughter, Dr. Angela Helen Zinkus of Eads, Tennessee. He is also survived by his sister, Andrea Louise Zinkus and his brother, William Michael Zinkus, both of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass will be said for Dr. Zinkus by a lifelong friend, Msgr. Michael Hazard in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The family requests memorials be sent to The Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Zinkus family.