Virgil Everette Caldwell, 96, El Dorado Springs, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, at Community Springs Healthcare in El Dorado Springs. He was born June 17, 1914, in Cedar County to James Thomas Caldwell and Ella P. (Hess) Caldwell.
He married Gertrude Pace on Aug. 10, 1935, in El Dorado Springs. She preceded him in death on Nov. 19, 1992.
Virgil grew up in the Red Brush area. He attended Hazel Dell Grade School and El Dorado Springs High School. Due to the death of his father, Virgil had to quit school at the age of 14 and hire out as a farm hand to help support his mother and younger siblings. He worked as a farmer most of his life. Virgil loved playing baseball and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
He was a member of the El Dorado Springs Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife, Virgil was preceded in death by a daughter, Belva Beaty; a grandson, Gregory Caldwell; one son-in-law, Art Carter; three brothers - Elton, Ervin and Wayne Caldwell; two sisters, Jewell Messick and Dixie Holcomb; one step sister, Rosalie; three step brothers - Virgil, Cecil and Carl.
Survivors include four daughters - Virgie Hankins, and husband, Harry – Springfield, Elvia Caldwell and Trudy Caldwell - El Dorado Springs, and Mona Caldwell - Springfield; three sons - Jim Caldwell, and wife, Jewell - Laramie, WY, Cecil Caldwell, and wife, Phyllis, and Virgil “Rocky” Caldwell, and wife Jackie - all of Walker; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; four step grandchildren; 17 step great-grandchildren; 15 step great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Forrest Caldwell - Muskogee, OK; two step sisters, Lorene – Osceola, and Katharine - Independence; one sister-in-law, Ellen Caldwell - Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Pastor Jim Smith officiating. Interment followed in Hazel Dell Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were - Cecil Caldwell, Jim Caldwell, Kyle Caldwell, James Caldwell Jr., Joe Caldwell, Klay Caldwell, Donnie Beaty and Randy Carter.
