Charles Clinton 'Bud' Walrod

Charles C. Walrod of West Des Moines, Iowa, better known as Bud or Charlie, passed away March 3, 2018 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines of congestive heart failure. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018 at McCalley Funeral Home in Adel with burial at Oakland Cemetery near De Soto. Family will greet friends Friday, March 9 at McCalley Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Bud was born at home in Des Moines, Iowa on October 23, 1929 to Charles Eugene and Martha Elizabeth (Lund) Walrod. He lived in the Highland Park area of Des Moines during his youth. Bud attended Clarkson Elementary, Warren Harding Junior High and graduated from North High School, all in Des Moines. After graduation Bud enlisted in the Army for one year. He served one year and then was called back to serve in September of 1950. He served a combat tour of duty with the 196th Field Artillery Battalion in the Korean War. While fighting in Korea, his unit received the Presidential Unit Citation for the battle of Soyang River in the vicinity of Hongchon, Korea “for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the armed enemy.” Upon returning home in December of 1951, he met his wife, Lee and they married on July 26, 1952. Bud attended Drake University into his senior year. As his family was growing, he left the university and started working as an insurance adjuster. In 1961, Bud fulfilled his dream and started his own business, Hawkeye Auto Salvage in De Soto, Iowa. Charles was involved in civic responsibilities in his community. He was elected to the De Soto town council where he served for 16 years. Bud was elected to the office of Mayor in De Soto, and he held that office for six years. Bud drove stock cars in his younger years in Des Moines. He loved football, reading, and fishing. He loved and adored his family and friends. He was an avid collector of advertising memorabilia that related to the gas, oil and automobile industry. Bud was known for his generosity to others and his love of jokes. Charles is survived by his natural children, Chuck Walrod of Granger, Leann Walrod of Los Gatos, California, and Michael (Tonya) Walrod of De Soto; one sister, Sally Berrier; many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. Bud leaves behind Carmen (Roberto) Taborga, Jerry and Alex Santos, Edna (John) Ramos, and Edith Elizondo, all of whom were exchange students in the Walrod home and called him Dad as well. His grandchildren are Travis (Kim) Walrod, Cassandra Walrod, David (Keana) Potts, Monica (Danny) Potts Busch, Alicia Walrod, Robert (Allie) Taborga, Phillippe (Amanda) Taborga and Karen (Alex) Catron. He was so proud of his great-grandchildren, Charlie, Declan, Rowyn, Otis, Breanna, Bennett, Taylor, Jaxson, Kailee, Gabriella, Andre’, Isabela, Casey, Caden, Calvin, Carmen and another new one on the way. Bud was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lee; his parents; his sister, Wanda Wagner; his grandson, Clinton Walrod and his daughter-in-law, Sherry Walrod. Memorial contributions may be directed to Disabled American Veterans, Adel VFW or Hospice of Central Iowa. Online condolences may be left on this site.