Jean C. Caldwell

March 9, 1948 – September 2, 2026

Jean Colleen Caldwell (Clemens), a woman whose home and heart stretched across the Americas, passed away on September 2, 2026.

Jean didn’t just love Jesus—she was in love with Jesus. Her life was a reflection of His love for all people. She lived a dangerous faith, willing to give all that she was for the sake of others. Whether it was her resources, her time, her sleep, or simply a listening ear, Jean gave freely and wholeheartedly.

Her first disciples were her children. She reflected Jesus to them not simply through the words she spoke, but by living out her faith every single day. She was the very definition of a prayer warrior, faithfully going to battle in prayer for anyone who needed it. If Jean told you she was praying for you, you knew she meant it.

The life she lived and the people she loved spanned continents. Jean served faithfully as both a local and global missionary, from loving and serving children at the Oblong Christian Children’s Home to serving families in La Plata, Argentina. Wherever God placed her, she found people to love.

And until her very last day, of all the people in the world, Jean’s favorites were always the children.

Jean was born on March 9, 1948, to Alva and Jean Clemens of Defiance, Ohio. She was the oldest of eight daughters, beginning a lifetime surrounded by a large and loving family.

On August 3, 1974, Jean married Richard Caldwell. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage and built a life that could never be confined to a single place. Her journey took her from New York City to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and many places in between. Wherever she went, she carried with her the same love for Jesus, her family, and the people God placed in her path.

Jean and Richard were blessed with four loving children: Christy Harsha (Brad), Carrie Geiger (Matt), Randal Caldwell (Valeria), and Andrew Caldwell (Audra).

Among Jean’s greatest earthly treasures were her grandchildren: Gabe, Kaylee, James, Mia, Kellan, Elijah, Jordan, Jude, Noah, and Oliver. They loved their Nana deeply, and the faith, prayers, laughter, and love she poured into them will remain part of her legacy for generations to come.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Alva and Jean Clemens; her sisters, Kathy and Bonnie; and her brothers-in-law, Wayne, John, and Jeremy.

On this side of eternity, Jean leaves behind her beloved husband, Richard; her children and grandchildren; her sisters, Linda (Walter), Diana, Mary, Sandi (Doug), and Melody Hope; and a beautiful abundance of nieces, nephews, family, and friends whose lives are richer because Jean was part of them.

For those who knew Jean and shared her faith, her death is not the end of her story. The Jesus whom she loved, followed, served, talked about, and prayed to throughout her life is the Jesus in whose presence she now rests. Her family grieves deeply, but not without hope. The things of this world are temporary; the things of Christ are eternal.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jean will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at First Christian Church of Oblong, 206 North Range Street, Oblong, Illinois 62449.

With our hearts fixed on what is eternal, those wishing to honor Jean’s life are encouraged to give to GO Ministries or the Oblong Christian Children’s Home, two ministries that beautifully reflect her lifelong love for Jesus, missions, and children.

Jean spent her life giving of herself for others.

And what a beautiful life she gave.