Earl Dwight Letts

Earl Dwight Letts, 87, of Des Moines Iowa died at Oakwood Care Facility in Albia, Iowa of natural causes on October 18th, after suffering a stroke. He was born in Edgerton, Wyoming on the 20th of November 1935 to Edward and Mildred Letts. Later, the family relocated to Washington, Iowa where he lived until joining the Army in 1956.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Dollie; sister, Louise; brothers, Lee and Darald. He is survived by sons Jim and Ron, and granddaughter Shailey. Earl served in the US Army for 20 years, spending 16 of those years overseas, earning the purple heart while serving a tour in Vietnam, and retiring in 1976. Halfway through his commitment as a soldier, he met the love of his life Dollie, got married in 1963 and started to raise a family, adding sons Jim and Ron.

The following year after moving the family to Des Moines, Earl Joined the Iowa State Capitol Police serving an additional 22 years training generations of future state troopers, before retiring again in 1998.

Earl enjoyed reading western novels by Zane Grey, listening to music and watching the Grand Ole Opry, and riding his motorcycle all over the state. He enjoyed family gatherings and was by all accounts a people person who left a strong impression on almost all whomever met him. The world is a lesser place without him.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 3rd, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 am with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 am at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. A graveside service will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 pm.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/iowa