Another veteran of The Greatest Generation has passed. Lowell Oliver Caldwell departed on November 8, 2018. He was born on November 21, 1919, the seventh of eight children to Oliver P. Caldwell and Mary Rebecca (Jones) Caldwell. He was raised on the family’s farm in Missouri and attended Louisburg schools, graduating in 1939. As a teen, he worked in the CCC.
On February 8, 1941, Lowell enlisted in the Air Corps as a Radio Operator and served three years of his five years overseas. On September 18, 1945, with the war over he was discharged as a Staff Sergeant in Santa Ana and came to make his home in Ventura, California.
After leaving the service of his Country, Lowell worked most of his adult life for Tidewater Oil and later Getty Oil Company, retiring in 1981 so he and his beloved wife Gayle could travel. Lowell will long be remembered for his wonderful personality, ready laugh, and kindness to all that knew him. He truly epitomized the word “friend”.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Virgil, Milfred, Leland, Gordon, and their spouses; sisters Hazel Condren, Lucile Cassity, Wilma Davison, and their spouses.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, A. Gayle Caldwell. Their life together was a true love story. Lowell is also survived by Deirdre Ann Powers, who has been a long time member of their family.
“Uncle Lowell” had numerous nieces and nephews that visited him frequently from near and far. They remember him with much love and laughter and fondly referred to him as “the candy man”. Locally, his niece Terri Curtis and nephew John Pallotti, provided Lowell with much love and care.
Lowell was a long time member of the Ventura Elks Lodge 1430, a lifetime member of the Petroleum Production Pioneers, the American Legion 339, and the Disabled American Veterans.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, November 16, 2018, 11:00 am, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, in Ventura. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, in Ventura, with full military honors. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, 11:30 am, at the Elks Lodge, 2126 Knoll Drive, in Ventura.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lowell’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 892, Ventura, CA 93002; or the Paralyzed Veterans, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20006, will be appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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