Dr. Richard A Caldwell

Dr. Richard Alan Caldwell, age 87, of Columbus, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Richard was born in Gallipolis, Ohio to the late Elmer and Jewel Caldwell. Also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Greta Thomas Caldwell, his oldest brother Colonel Dan Caldwell, and youngest brother Major Julian Caldwell, DDS. Richard graduated from Gallia Academy High School and went on to attend Ohio University where he graduated with a degree in zoology. Having put himself through school waiting tables, Richard went on to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in August of 1957. After 3 years of service at Camp Lejeune, he was honorably discharged with a rank of E-6. He then came home to Ohio to marry the love of his life, Greta Thomas of Gallipolis on August 28, 1960. Greta was a physical education teacher and supported Richard as he went on to work two jobs to make his way through dental school at The Ohio State University. Richard went on to practice dentistry for 44 years. In the latter years of his practice knowing the difficult struggle of going to dental school full time while having a family, Richard was prompted to start a scholarship fund at The Ohio State University dental school. Richard and Greta created a beautiful family together and welcomed their first child, Gwynn, in December of 1961. Soon after came their son Tom and then David. Throughout his life he dedicated himself to not only his dental practice, but also to his family. Richard loved to play golf and tennis. He was an amazing cook and grill master who often showed his love through homemade soups of all kinds. Greta and Richard loved to vacation in Siesta Key, Florida with their kids and grandkids. They often spent their winters enjoying time together in Palm Springs, California. Richard leaves behind a family that will miss him dearly. He is survived by his children, daughter Gwynn Behrent (Peter); Tom Caldwell (Leslie) and David Caldwell (Nicole Van Steyn); his grandchildren Katie Behrent, Sarah Fawcett (Andrew), Christy Rasul (Ziyad), Walker Caldwell, Griffin Caldwell, EJ Caldwell, Hannah Caldwell and Quinn Caldwell; as well as his great grandchild Lena Rasul. Richard also leaves behind his brother retired Colonel Jimmy D. Caldwell of Dayton and his sister Lee Caldwell Burkett (Doug Burkett) of Gallipolis, Ohio.

Family will receive friends from 3:30pm to 7:30pm Thursday, July 28th at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, where a funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, July 29th. At the completion of the service the family will travel to Mound Hill Cemetery in Gallipolis Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to The Richard A. Caldwell Dental Scholarship Fund. Payable to The Ohio State University, Fund #641044, PO Box 710811, Columbus, Ohio 43271-0811.