Obituary of Donald L. Caldwell

Donald L. “Don” Caldwell was born February 18, 1932 in Ketchum, OK to Elwin Merril & Lera Fern (Mays) Caldwell and passed from this life September 5, 2016 at the age of 84. At the age of sixteen, Don enlisted in the army. Things were going good until Korea. As Don was preparing to go overseas to Korea, he made the mistake of calling his mother. His mom had been okay with Don being in the Army as long as he stayed in the United States. So, Don’s mother called his commanding officer and told them he was only seventeen. Don was honorably discharged as a result, but he liked the military. When he turned eighteen, Don re-enlisted in the US Air Force, which he turned into a career as an aircraft mechanic. Don was stationed at many different Air Force Bases over the years, including Paris, France where two of his sons were born. Don also served in the Texas Air National Guard and the Oklahoma Air National Guard to get his years of service in for retirement. After the military, Don worked for some of the major aviation companies who had government contracts as a flight line superintendent. Finally, Don dabbled at selling cars with his own car lot as well as working for other dealerships. Don enjoyed travelling the United States. He also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps from the US Mint. Don loved all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Deborah Ann (Hawk) Caldwell; his son, Gabe Rodriguez; and his sister, Laverle Root. He is survived by his children and their spouses Debora Caldwell, Dwight Caldwell (Sandi), Niles Caldwell (Ping), Panthea Baker (Charles), Nora Niles, Lora Riney, Dana Caldwell, Elizabeth Weisert (Jim), Mario Rodriguez (Stacy), Annie Rodriguez and Jessica Long (Jason); his siblings, Elvena Lee (Jim, Harold Caldwell (Shirley), Vonnie Caldwell, Lloyd Caldwell, Faye Burton (Bill) and Judy Neal (Ken); 21 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. Don will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday with the family receiving friends from 6:00-8:00 at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. His funeral will be held 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ketchum, OK and he will be laid to rest at the Ketchum Cemetery, Ketchum, OK with military honors provided by Lloyd Caldwell & Jim Lee. Ninde Brookside Chapel ninde.com 918-742-5556