Walter Lee "Walt" Chappell, 54 of Mechanicsville, died Thursday, November 10, 2011 in Veteran's Administration Hospital, Iowa City, from an aggressive form of lung cancer. Walt's visitation will be Monday, November 14, 2011, from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m., at Morgan Funeral Choices, Mount Vernon. Walt's funeral will be 4:00 p.m., Monday, at the chapel, with a light lunch to follow. Military honors by US Army and Hahn-Howard American Legion Post #309, Mt. Vernon. Walt is to be buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville. Walter was born January 3, 1949 in Mercy Hospital, Iowa City, the son of Harvey and LaVonne (Britcher) Chappell. He grew up on a farm and attended Olin, Marion (now Linn-Mar), Tipton and Lincoln Community Schools. He loved his teen years in Mechanicsville. Walter served in the US Army from 1968-1970 with tours in Germany and Vietnam and often talked about his army life. He married Peggy (Brown) Hoffner on February 12, 1972 in Mt. Vernon and they had a daughter, Carmella. They later divorced. Walt was a laborer for many years in Davenport before retiring due to health reasons and moving to the Veteran's Home in Marshalltown, where he resided the last two years. Survivors include his daughter, Carmella (Marty) Burns, Cedar Rapids; three step-sons, Richard (Karen) Hoffner, Jr. Ely, Marlin Hoffner, Cedar Rapids, and Robert (Deb) Hoffner, Bradgate, IA; his mother, LaVonne, West Plaines, MO; brother, David (Donna) Chappell, Mechanicsville; three sisters, Connie (Gene) Knutsen, Mechanicsville, Dorothy (Everett) Brown, Mountain View, MO, Kathy (Ray) Croney, West Plains, MO; two grandchildren, Travis Chappell and Tricia Burns; one great-grandson, Dante Chappell; two special great-grandchildren, Evan Johnston and Jazmynn Burns, all of Cedar Rapids; two aunts, Alecia Meyers, Stanwood and Elnora Webb, West Plains, MO; several step- grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Walter was preceded in death by his father, Harvey in 1994; brother, Randy in 1957; maternal grandparents, Ed and Emma Meyers (Tipton) and paternal grandparents, Douglas and Melva Ruble (Springville); and former wife, Peggy. Memorial Fund in Walter's memory will be established.