Funeral for Elwood 'Woody' Walker Set for Monday

Elwood Carl “Woody” Walker, 91, of North Caldwell died Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

Relatives and friends may visit the family at the Dancy Funeral Home, 9 Smull Ave., Caldwell, on Sunday, April 14, from 2 to 6 p.m. The service will be at the Caldwell United Methodist Church, 8 Academy Road, Caldwell, on Monday, April 15 at 10 a.m., followed by an informal reception at the church.  

Born in Schaller, Iowa, Mr. Walker was raised on the farm established by his grandfather. He attended Cornell College, and received a degree in engineering from the University of Colorado.

An engineer, he began his career with Curtiss Wright Corp. in Fairfield, where he worked in aeronautical research during World War II and after. He met his beloved wife Carlee on a ski run he operated in Vernon, Jersey, and they married in 1946. In 1949, they moved to North Caldwell.

During the 1950s, he was an avid member and served as president of the Sports Car Club of America’s New Jersey club. He also was a founding member of the West Essex Lions Club when it was established in 1958. He remained active with the Lions until his death.

Mr. Walker left Curtiss Wright in 1960 to found Scientific Development Inc., which did pioneering work using waste heat for water desalination. It was later acquired by Burns & Roe, an engineering consultant firm, where he worked until his retirement.

Mr. Walker was known for his many civic activities. He was a member of the North Caldwell Town Council, serving on the Board of Adjustment and the Historical Preservation Commission. For many years he served on the town’s Volunteer Fire Department, also serving as assistant fire chief.

He served on the North Caldwell Board of Education, where he was active in acquiring the land for the building of Grandview School. Later, while serving on the West Essex Board of Education, he helped oversee the building of West Essex Regional High School.

He was the owner of “Walkers Pond,” which he and his wife Carlee enjoyed making available to North Caldwell residents for skating, an annual Christmas tree lighting, and other events.

His many interests included family history, computers, and weekly garage sale outings. He was also a long-time member of the West Essex Art Association.

He was the beloved husband of the late Carlee (nee Kerbs); devoted father of Alan and Robertine, Byron and his wife, Ruth, Christian and his wife, Diane, and Darcy Cox and her husband, John; and cherished grandfather of, Sarah, Nick, Katherine, Alison and Whitney. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Margaret Hummel and Lorraine Van Houton.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Caldwell United Methodist Church, or the West Essex First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 662, Caldwell, NJ 07006.