Bill Caldwell

THEBES, Ill. -- Bill Caldwell, 82, of Thebes, died Thursday, July 9, 2020, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Nov. 28, 1937, in Olive Branch, Illinois to William Caldwell and Zelma Browning Caldwell. He married Vivian Bland on Dec. 17, 1960, and she predeceased him Nov. 21, 2000.

Bill began his career in the U.S. Navy in 1955 and moved through the ranks as a flight engineer. He also served in the Reserves and the National Guard. Bill retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Olmsted Locks and Dam. He also owned and operated Caldwell Signs from 1984 until the present. Bill was a 32nd-degree Mason, a member of Caledonia Lodge 47 AF & AM and a past worthy patron of the Eastern Star. He was a proud member of the Egypt Mills Tractor Club. He could be found every morning at the Kozy Korner.

Bill is survived by his children, Zac (Mary Jane) Caldwell of Cape Girardeau and Tara Caldwell of Thebes; grandchildren, Krystal Caldwell of Greenville, Texas, and Austin (Morgan) Caldwell of Bloomington, Illinois; great-grandchild, Vivian Caldwell; sister, Betty Walden; nephews, Ronald (Ramona) Isom of Thebes, and John (Kerry) Isom of Huntsville, Alabama; and many cousins and other relatives.

He was predeceased by his parents and wife.

Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Illinois, followed by Masonic Rites at 3 p.m. by Caledonia Lodge 47, and military honors by area veterans and the Navy.

Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes, Illinois.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms is in charge of arrangement.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.