Herbert L. Caldwell

He was born on July 12, 1935 in Patchogue, New York to Edna and Herbert Caldwell. He met his true love at a dance in Landa Park. Herb and Betsy married on February 20th, 1960.

Together they had five children and traveled the world with Herb’s 26 year career in the Air Force in aircraft maintenance. He rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in only 18 years.

In 1980, after retiring from the Air Force, they settled back in New Braunfels. He then did construction for a while and was then hired in 1986 and charged with maintaining the county courthouse. Over the course of his remarkable tenure, he eventually came to oversee all 10 county buildings and a graveyard and served in many ancillary roles. After 17 years of exemplary service, he retired having earned the lasting friendship of many of his fellow citizens.

Those who knew Herb understood that he had the most giving heart, which led him to becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus which allowed him countless opportunities to volunteer his time, never taking a nickel for his work. He also was a member of the Marsch-und Wandergruppe and would mark the trails for the walks and set up the drink stations along the walk. He volunteered at the Sts. Peter and Paul thrift store and for the SOS food bank of New Braunfels. He also volunteered as a driver for the American Cancer Society’s office in Austin, sometimes logging more than 1,000 miles a month taking people to treatments who couldn’t otherwise drive themselves. He was also very instrumental in the drive to repair and rebuild the retaining walls in Landa Park.

He taught us that you can never have enough mashed potatoes for family gatherings, not to forget the corn, and countless other lessons throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Caldwell. His children; Donna and her husband Bobby Boales, Cindy Boyce, Sandra Harst, James and his wife Marina Caldwell, and David Caldwell. His grandchildren; Michael Vestal, Matthew and wife Kristian Vestal, (The late Zachary), Amanda and husband Ben Nowotny, Christopher Boyce, Patrick Boyce and wife Morgan, Andrew and wife Amber Boyce, Eric Boyce, Adam Boyce, Tiffany Stevens, Alan Harst, Marc and wife Ally Harst, Gloria Caldwell, and Jonathan Caldwell. As well as 14 great-grandchildren and his sister Leonore Lee. He was preceded in death by his sister Alice Abelt.

Dad always told us the difference in a Yankee and a damn Yankee was that a Yankee came to visit and went back home, a damn Yankee came and stayed. We loved our damn Yankee!!

A visitation will be on July 20th at 3pm at Zoeller Funeral Home followed by a rosary at 5 pm. A service at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will be held on July 21st at 10 am followed by a burial at Sts. Peter and Paul cemetery and a reception back at the church in St. Mary’s Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church and School or to charities of your choice.