Gary L. Caldwell, 71, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at Newton Medical Center.
He was born July 22, 1943, in Newton to Guy and Helen (Patterson) Caldwell. Gary was a 1961 graduate of Newton High School. On Oct. 3, 1969, he married Melva Adams in Newton, and she survives of the home. Gary served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard during the Vietnam War. Gary was a member of First United Methodist Church in Newton, and was a lifetime member of the VFW. Faith, family and friends were always near to Gary. The support of his many friends and family were very important to Gary through the years. He kept many friends close from his high school years and many Navy buddies also kept in contact.
The family would like to acknowledge the care they received through Gary's illness from Dr. Robert Roeser and Dr. Hossein Amarani their staff and the staff of Newton Medical Center ICU and Respiratory Therapy Depts.
Gary is survived by his wife, Melva of Newton; son, Rodd and his wife, Heather Caldwell of Normal, Illinois; daughter, Alyson and her husband, Shane Voran of Lehigh; brother, Darrell and his wife, Marty Caldwell of Manchaca, Texas; sisters, Lavonne Prior of Neosho Rapids, and Darlene and her husband, Peter Smokerowski of Shawnee. He is also survived by four granddaughters: Skylar and Rylee Voran and Helen and Lily Caldwell. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Lois Buller and Evelyn Umholtz.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at First United Methodist Church in Newton, with the Rev. Dr. Doug Tofteland presiding. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Newton. Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday evening, Jan. 7, 2015, at Petersen Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Medical Ministries International through Dr. Robert Roeser's Practice and Newton Medical Center ICU or Respiratory Therapy Departments in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
