Ora Gene Walters

Ora "Gene" Walters, 67, of Keokuk, passed away on September 13, 2017, at Unity Point Health Keokuk. 

Gene was born on August 2, 1950, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Ora Kenneth and Martha Mae (Stribling) Walters. On October 17, 1992, he was united in marriage to Judi Coultas-Freels in Keokuk. She survives. A resident of Keokuk for many years, Gene was employed as Assistant Lockmaster at the Keokuk Lock and Dam until his retirement in 2008. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #106 in Keokuk and the South Side Boat Club. Gene proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, where he was highly decorated, earning three bronze stars. Gene was a patriot, and very proud of his country and his military service. In his civilian life, Gene enjoyed playing golf and pool, and spending time on the river. He was also a talented carpenter.

Gene is survived by his wife Judi of Keokuk; daughter Kathryn Walters of Denver, Colorado; granddaughter Rowan Campbell of Denver, Colorado; brother Kenneth Walters of Hot Springs, Arkansas; sister Sharon (Steve) Walters-Williams of Hot Springs, Arkansas; three step-children: Wendi (Zach) Jones of Keokuk; James Freels of Keokuk; and Ean (Dendra) Freels of Ankeny, Iowa; four step-grandchildren: Kristopher (Hailee) Hopkins of Marion, Iowa; Sergeant Matthew Hopkins in Kuwait; Andrew Jones of Iowa City, Iowa; and Gabriel Jones of Keokuk; and one step-great-grandson Shawn Hopkins of Jefferson City, Missouri. Other survivors include two nieces and several cousins.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister Susan.

A graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Monday, September 18, 2017, at Keokuk National Cemetery, with family and friends meeting at 12:30 pm at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers, 917 Blondeau Street, for a procession to the cemetery. Military Honors and an Elks Memorial Service will be held at the graveside service. Directly following the service, family will meet friends for "Happy Hour" at the Elks Lodge in Keokuk.