Obituary of William Caldwell

William J. Caldwell "Bill" Early in the morning of July 16, 2014, Chief Petty Officer William J. Caldwell, USN (Ret.) loosed his moorings and set sail on his eternal voyage. He was 86. Born in Philadelphia, PA, his family situation encouraged him to lie about his age and join the Navy at 16. For the remainder of his life, whether on the high seas or the low roads he relished wayfaring making many friends along the way. Affable and welcomed everywhere, Bill was a magnet for stray dogs, treated like royalty by casinos and always agreeable to a stiff cocktail during an ardent game of eight ball. Bill was a U.S. Navy WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Veteran with over 22 years of service, later retiring to Illinois where he was a longtime Stillwell, Seneca and Kinsman area resident. He enjoyed a 23 year civilian career with Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Ins. Co, the highlight being asked to open their Singapore field office. Mr. Caldwell was preceded by his parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth (nee Creighton) Caldwell; one son, Dani R. Caldwell (2011); his first wife, Irene (nee Frey) Caldwell; three brothers, Ben, George and Hank Caldwell;and two sisters, Mary and Betty Caldwell. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Margaret M. (nee Bakken) Caldwell of Kinsman; two sons, James "Bill" (Miki) of White Salmon, WA and Gary L. (Gina) Caldwell of Sarasota, FL; one daughter, Candice Woods of Springfield, IL; four grandchildren, Melissa, Melinda, Kyle and Mariah; three great-grandchildren, Sarah, Joshua and Austin; two step-daughters, Lois "Tami" Cowan of Ottawa, IL and Peggy (Karl) Gelinas of Smithville, MO; one step-son, Jim (Marla) Smith of Seneca; three step-grandchildren, Steven, Elaina and Robert; one sister, Nancy Wyatt of Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral Services for William J. Caldwell will be held Monday, July 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Dr., Morris . Rev. Jim McGuire officiating. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery, Seneca, IL with full Military Honors conducted under the auspices of the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Kinsman Verona Ambulance, P. O. Box 316, Mazon, IL 60444 in his name would be appreciated. Visitation Monday morning, 9-11 a.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 942-5040