of Joplin, MO
April 9, 2021
Mr. Thomas Aaron Caldwell, age 79, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away at home with his family after a recent illness on April 9, 2021. He was born to parents Cecil and Opal (Wallace) Caldwell on January 11, 1942 in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
He is survived by one son, Ed Caldwell and granddaughter, Claire Caldwell, both of Sherwood, Arkansas; one daughter, Donna Caldwell-Chaffin of Joplin, MO and her partner, Scott Vest of Wyandotte, OK; granddaughter, Lauren Chaffin of Joplin, MO; and sister-in-law, Jessie Riveria of Mountain Home, AR.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jo Caldwell, and his parents.
Thomas retired after serving in the U.S. military for more than 30 years. His service began in the U.S. Air Force in the late 1950s and resumed with the Arkansas Army National Guard in the late 1960s. A Desert Storm veteran, he was the Master Sergeant of the 224th Maintenance Company's automotive maintenance platoon and a former First Sergeant for the 172nd Maintenance Company in Heber Springs. He received numerous awards and decorations including:
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal with Star
Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Campaign Stars
Southwest Asia Kuwaiti Liberation Medal
He retired from the US Corps of Engineers as the Sr. Mechanic of the Bull Shoals Dam in 1996.
He was a member of the VFW and a Past Master in the Masonic Order.
He loved spending time with his family and was so proud of his two granddaughters. He cherished all the memories of traveling with his family.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a Masonic service to follow at Roller Funeral Home in Mountain Home, AR. A graveside service will take place on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Caldwell Chapel Cemetery in Jonesboro, AR, and military honors will be rendered at this time. In lieu of flowers, family request donations to be made in his honor to the Caldwell Chapel Association, which is in care of David Cook P.O. Box 842 Jonesboro, AR 72403. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home. For online condolences please visit our online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtnhome.
Sign Guestbook
19 Condolence(s)
eddie chessick
Friday, April 23, 2021
rest in peace Tom it was great to serve with you and to be friends with you and jo a lot of water under the bridge!
Delbert and Shirley Dover
Monday, April 19, 2021
So very sorry for your loss, Tommy and Jo were the best and will be forever missed. Our love to all of you. Old friends Delbert and Shirley Dover
Rick Pierce
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Tommy was a great guy and we certainly enjoyed him. I'm sure he will be missed and we have missed his it'll be alright attitude. We appreciate the time he gave us and we hope he enjoyed it as well.
God Bless the family as they suffer with his loss,
Rick Pierce
Libby Nearn Seftar
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Ed and Donna,
Vicky, Steve and I have lots of memories of your dad and our dad together. They were always laughing and cutting up! We are so sorry about your loss but know that there is a big "Dam" (that being Norfork and Bull Shoals) reunion going on up in heaven!!
Bob Jackson
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
I had the pleasure of knowing and serving withTom in the National Guard for a number of years. He was an excellent NCO and was always willing to help any solider or officer when needed. He was a great individual, mentor and friend.
Salute to you MSG.
COL James Treece
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Tom was one of the finest NCOs with whom I've ever had the pleasure of serving. His advice and counsel to a young officer helped shape me into the person I am today.
My condolences to the family.
Shirley Walters
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Tommy was a great man. A wonderful devoted husband to Jo. A good and helpful friend. My thoughts go out to his family.
Rochelle Greenwood
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Ed,
Please know you and your family are in my prayers as you grieve the loss of your Dad.
Wendell & Gail Phillips
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad, Ed. As always, prayers for you and Claire, and the rest of your family.
Jim Bodenhamer
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
What a privilege to know Tommy and Jo. As a young National Guard officer in the 224th I had
the good fortune to have the guidance of a number of non-commissioned officers. Tommy was
one of those who led by example and when he offered "advice" you listened and more times than not took that "advice." He was one of the most respected NCO's I have known in my 30 year plus military service. (Buddy Woods you nailed it.) It was always nice to have an encounter with Tommy in Walmart in recent years while Jo did the shopping. Good memories my friend. You served your country well.
bonnie neal
Monday, April 12, 2021
Caldwell family
I lived next door Tom & Jo in mountain home
Very special people
You are in my prayers
Jim Nearn
Monday, April 12, 2021
Tommy was my mentor when I stared working at the Dardanelle Hydropower plant in 1979. Tommy may you RIP.
Bill Boswell
Monday, April 12, 2021
Rest easy my friend. You were a good and faithful leader. We got it from here
Randy Hinton
Monday, April 12, 2021
I graduated with Tommy from Jonesboro High School in 1959. I sure hate to hear this terrible news. Prayers for all his family. ðŸ™
Harold Hayes
Monday, April 12, 2021
Rest in Peace tommy.
Barbara Novaselec
Monday, April 12, 2021
I'm going miss my uncle Tom and auntie jo and always remember them. I love you both. My heart go to my cousins. Please keep in touch. Uncle Tom, RIP. Wish be there immediately on his funeral with my mom.
Roger Talburt
Monday, April 12, 2021
Tommy and Jo were long time neighbors of mine. Both wonderful people. They will be greatly missed.
Judy Douglass
Sunday, April 11, 2021
You led a great life, now go and be with Jo.
Bless you
Buddy Woods
Sunday, April 11, 2021
To Tops family,
He was always a gruff grumpy old hero of mine. In the guard he took a dumb young kid and turned me into a good person. After he retired he would come to my shop with his bad boy mower. I told him he reminded me of Clint Eastwood in heart break ridge movie. Big teddy bear covered in a thick grumpy skin. He will always be a hero to me. I talk of him alot and he will be missed. God bless you for sharing him with me. And may peace cover you in this time of need. Buddy Woods