Vinton Caulkins

Services for Vinton Caulkins,96, of Knoxville, will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026,
at 10:30 a.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. A visitation will be held prior
to the service starting at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service
at Graceland cemetery. The family invites everyone back to lunch at the funeral home
after the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VA Central Iowa Health Care Hospital
for their unwavering support towards Vinton and his family. Cards may be mailed to
3600 30th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50310.
Vinton Wayne Caulkins was born on November 28, 1929, in Knoxville, Iowa to Donald
and Edith
Caulkins.
Vinton attended grade school at East Ward through the sixth grade before continuing
his education at Nell McGowen Junior High School. An accomplished athlete, he
proudly served as captain of the football team, playing fullback.
He later served his country in the United States Navy from February of 1948 until
December of 1951. During his service, he was a member of the Seabees, where he
began what would become a lifelong career behind the wheel as a truck driver.
After returning home to Knoxville, Vinton met the love of his life, Betty Lou (Chambers)
Caulkins at the local malt shop. He once said, “I loved her the moment I saw her, and
I’ve loved her every moment after.” Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love,
partnership, and devotion. They were blessed with five wonderful daughters and shared
a bond that carried them through life’s joys and challenges, always leaning on one
another. Vinton and Betty Lou especially loved traveling together and seeing the world
from the seat of their motorcycles.
Vinton went on to own and operate Caulkins Trucking, a business he took great pride in
and grew into a successful venture. Outside of work, he enjoyed golfing and riding
motorcycles most often his beloved Honda Goldwing. He was a talented singer with a
remarkable photographic memory, gifts that added to the many ways he left an
impression on those around him.
After the passing of his beloved wife, Betty Lou, Vinton found companionship and
friendship in Ruth Mead. For 22 years, Ruth was a cherished presence in his life,
sharing in companionship, care, and countless memories that brought comfort, laughter,
and joy in his later years.
Vinton passed away January 17, 2026, He will be greatly missed by his daughters:
Connie (David) Rodgers, Jeannie (Ron) Berry, Susan Caulkins, Lisa (Everett) Pauley
and Chris (David) Kuntz; ten grandchildren: Amy (George) Toubekis, Michael (Jennifer)
Rodgers, Dierdre (Mark) Goodrich, Justin (Tracey) DeRonde, Brian Berry, Silvia Fouch,
Laura Smith, Harrison Pauley, David V. (Nicole) Kuntz, Chantell (Jordan) Downing; 21
great grandchildren: Lucas, Kaden, Jacob, Alexander, Xavier, Paiska, Gwendolyn,
Ansel, Kayla, Autumn (Riley), Eric, Addyson, Jackson, Kinsley, Remi, Quinlyn, Liam,
Elyse, Derek, Kyle and many other friends and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Lou (Chambers) Caulkins; mother
and father: Edith and Donald Caulkins.