Walter Clements Barr, 69 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died unexpectedly on Monday, May 30, 2011 at his home in Fort Madison, Iowa. He was born November 15, 1941 at Fort Madison, Iowa, a son of Jack and Lyla (Horan) Barr. In 1965 he married LaVena Crandall at Fort Madison, Iowa. They later divorced. Walt was a 1960 graduate of Fort Madison High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He first worked for the AT&SF Railroad for several years. He attended and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science at Chicago. He was a funeral director and embalmer and owned and operated the Barr Memorial Chapel with his partner and brother, Jim, until 1996. He then purchased his own business, Barr Funeral Home, at Cedar Falls, Iowa. He retired from funeral service in 2001. He was a 46 year member and past Exhalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge #374 of Fort Madison, Iowa. He was a member of AMVETS since 1996 and served as commander in 2000. He previously served on the Fort Madison Dock, Parks and Recreation Committee. He was first a member of the Claypoole Masonic Lodge #13 AF & AM at Fort Madison and later the Black Hawk Masonic Lodge #65, AF & AM at Cedar Falls. He was also a 32nd degree member of the Davenport Scottish Rite and the KAABA Shrine. He was of the Methodist faith.

He survived by one son, Michael (wife Ann) Barr, of Iowa Falls, Iowa; one daughter, Stacy (husband Brian) Heston, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one brother, James (wife Charlotte) Barr, of Cheteck, Wisconsin; six grandchildren: Kylie, Erica, Jared, Jordan, McKenzie, and Danielle; three nieces: Carolyn Krone, Kathleen Meardon, and Margo Eicher; and one nephew, Thomas Barr. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lance Corporal Michael McKee Barr.

Friends may call after 1:00 pm Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, where the family will greet friends from 6:30 - 8:00 pm Thursday evening. An Elks Lodge service will be at 7:30 pm at the funeral home during visitation. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. The Reverend Harold Davis Jr., will officiate. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. Full military rites will be conducted at graveside by the Fort Madison Veterans Honor Guard. A memorial has been established. Contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.