Phillip D. Caldwell was born on March 31, 1938 in Billmore, Missouri, the son of Paul Caldwell and Mae Mills Caldwell on March 31, 1938 and departed this life on August 21, 2020 at his home in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 82 years.
He is survived by one son, Greg Siekawitch and his wife, Angie; one brother, Joe Dan Caldwell; one sister, Ledita Mothersill; seven grandchildren; two nephews, Roger Taylor and Mark Taylor and wife, Andrea; one niece, Ashley Caldwell; good friend, Evelyn Kelsey; other relatives; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mae Caldwell.
In late 50’s Phillip left home and joined the U.S. Army. He served his entire enlistment in Hawaii. When he got out of the Army, he started a career as a heavy equipment operator. In the early 60’s, he ended up in Alaska paving connecting highways from one end to the other.
While in Alaska, he got an upclose look at his first gold nugget. He found his new hobby, prospecting for gold. In the 70’s he was involved in the Alaska oil pipeline from day 1 to day end. He retired from heavy equipment operator in the late 70’s and went to gemology and jewelry design school. Phillip helped a friend design and build jewelry. Phillip leaves behind a very dear and long-term friend in Alaska who he shared most of his prospecting days and journey’s with, John Pulling and many others
He then returned to Missouri to settle down and be closer to his family and meet many new dear friends. In Missouri, Phillip like to hunt and fish. He also loved to search with his metal detector, remembering his days as a gold prospector.
He will be missed by his family and all that knew him
Funeral services for Phillip D. Caldwell will be held on Friday, August 28, 2020, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Gideons. Donations may be left at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will be on Friday, August 28, 2020 at Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
