Funeral services were held Saturday, July 10, 1981, at 2 p.m for Joseph Edgar Walter at Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter day Saints in Decatur.  Walter died Wednesday, July 7, 1981 at Onawa, IA.

     Evangelist Russell Maryott and Elder Ed Rieger officiated.  Music was provided by Beaulah Halstead, organist, and Mrs. Emmett Hennig, Vocalist.

     Pallbearers included Jim Eagleton, Lyle Larsen, Clark Beck, Charles Crom, Bud Marr, Paul Brewer, Elwin Penny and John Maryott.

     Honorary pallbearers were Bob Baker, Jack Maryott, Jimmy Huffman, John Siemonsma, Darrell Anderson, Charles Redding, Gene Slaughter and Wilber Snow.

     Concluding services were held at Hillcrest Cemetery.

     Walter was born to Donald and Frieda Walter October 26, 1940 in Decatur.  At that time, the family lived on a farm near town.  They later moved into town and he attended Decatur School all 12 years.  Walter graduated with the class of 1958.  After his graduation he was engaged in trucking in both Tekamah and Omaha.

     He was united in marriage to Diane Miller February 19,1960 in Council Bluffs, IA.  The couple lived in Omaha for four years and then returned to Decatur.  The Walters had two children, Joey, 18 and Shelly 13.

Walter started a construction business in 1965 and after two years formed a partnership with Harold Hayes in trucking and construction.  Later the partnership was dissolved and each took a portion of the business with Joe continuing the heavy equipment business as a contractor.

     He was baptized a member of the RLDS Church, a member of the volunteer fire department for many years, and served on the school board.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Frieda Walter.  Survivors include his wife, Diane, son, Joey and daughter, Shelly; three sisters, Mrs. Gene Rollins (Sylvia) of Tekamah, Mrs. Harold Hayes (Mary Jane) of Decatur and Mrs. Dean Hightree (Wilma) of Omaha, and many other friends and relatives.

Updated 04/01/09