Phillip D. Caldwell was born on March 31, 1938 in Billmore, Missouri, the son of Paul Caldwell and Mae Mills Caldwell 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, Ledith 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 his 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 as a 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 liked 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 with Barry O’Dell officiating.
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.
August 25, 2020 @ 3:48 pm
So sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin .
Love and prayers,
Cathy Roy Dacolias
August 25, 2020 @ 5:43 pm
I knew him as Denzel. He was a good friend in High School.
Janet DuBois Underwood
September 25, 2020 @ 8:41 pm
Jo Dan, sorry to read of your loss of your brother, I am late in knowing it. I only knew him as Denzel. That the name my Mom ever called him. So I failed to recognize the obituary,Mom always enjoyed her visit with her cousin.
August 25, 2020 @ 8:38 pm
You will be really missed. What little time I have spent with you was great.
August 27, 2020 @ 4:22 pm
Good man..He was in Pulmonary Rehab with me. Wish I’d met Phil years ago. We hit it off right away.
August 27, 2020 @ 1:32 am
Joe Dan, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. Terry Range
August 27, 2020 @ 5:49 pm
So sorry , Phil has been a good friend ,and neighbor for 20 + years Always good to share a fishing story with , he will be missed by all of us. Rex and Diana Trent and David
August 28, 2020 @ 5:49 pm
Ledith, I’m so sorry for your loss.
August 29, 2020 @ 12:10 pm
Joe Dan,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Karen Harbison
August 30, 2020 @ 3:22 pm
I always knew him as Denzel when we were in Thayer High. He was always a good friend with a sweet smile and a ready laugh. I send my condolences to the family. Druscill a Pierce Marton
September 16, 2020 @ 9:21 am
I first met him through my step dad Leonard Fox.. they were on a bowling league team together.. he was a personality to remember!
I didnt know of his passing or I would have respectfully attended his service.
It was about 3 years ago that I last spoke with him, he was having coffee at “grumps” in west plains.