Walter Edwin Caldwell, 86 of Keokuk, IA died Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at Lexington Square in Keokuk, IA. He was born on January 20, 1926 in Des Moines, IA the son of Dwight and Garneta Caldwell. Walt attended schools in Des Moines, IA, Prairie City, IA and Shattuck Military School in Faribault, MN. He joined the United States Navy following high school. He first worked for Caldwell and Hartung Trucking Company in Des Moines, IA, which delivered the Des Moines Register by truck, in the Register's early days. Keokuk was one of their stops. The Caldwell family moved to a farm near Prairie City, IA and built lots for feeding cattle. Walter attended special classes at Iowa State University in Ames regarding the nutrition and feeding of animals. He then helped build a grain elevator with their farm employees. He managed that elevator for several years, mixing custom feed for farm animals and horses throughout the state. He was part of a group called People to People sponsored by Iowa State University to visit the Soviet Union. Walter became interested in river traffic. He purchased land on River Road in Keokuk, obtained permits, surveyed and directed the construction of a road leading from a high bluff to the Mississippi River. He later operated a river terminal in Keokuk and retired after selling the company to Ken Hendricks of Beloit, WI. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, the Keokuk Rotary Club, the Prairie City Lions Club and the Masonic Lodge in Montrose. He was also a member of the Keokuk Airport Commission. Walter owned his own plane and enjoyed piloting his plane for pleasure and business. Walter was united in marriage to Marcia Schuttinga in June of 1948 after three years of courtship, most of which time he was in the Navy. Walter's death ended 64 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Marcia of Keokuk, one son, Andrew Caldwell of Keokuk, two sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Max Caldwell. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2013 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, IA with Pastor John Raab officiating. There wasno visitation. Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk.