William and Mary Lou Caldwell

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- William Riley Caldwell passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His wife, Mary Lou Thomas Caldwell, passed away Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

William was born May 4, 1922, in Sikeston, Missouri, the son of Elmer Ry and Thelma Camille Brooks Caldwell. His siblings were Ellen Camille Caldwell Sitzes and Laura Vada Caldwell.

Mary Lou was born April 28, 1923, in Gravel Hill, the daughter of Willis Manson and Bessie Lum Burnett Leslie Thomas. Her siblings were Louella, Ruby, Rupert 'Jack' Leslie, Frank, Thelma, Joe, Warren and Max Thomas.

Bill and Mary Lou met at Southeast Missouri State College and married Aug. 20, 1944, before Bill left for active duty during World War II. After the war, they lived in Flint, Michigan, where sons Stephen William and Mark Thomas were born. They moved back to Gravel Hill and welcomed son Chase Lewis. Polio struck Stephen, sending them to the dry climate of New Mexico. The Caldwells had their fourth child, and Sara Dawn is a girl!

Ever faithful, they attended Asbury United Methodist Church for 60 years, Mary Lou lending her beautiful voice to the chancel choir. Bill worked for Sandia Laboratories until his retirement. He was an avid ham radio operator, call letters K5MRG. Mary Lou ended her career in home health nursing to have grand adventures traveling with Bill. They were blessed with 71 years of marriage, inspiring their family to follow in their footsteps.

Mary Lou's life advice, "We can't help getting older, but we can be pleasant about it."

Bill's advice, "Save every penny you can and stay together!"

Burials will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6 at Gravel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Gravel Hill Cemetery, c/o Jack Leslie, 16352 Quail Lane, Marble Hill, MO 63764.

Swan-Law Funeral Directors of Colorado Springs was in charge of arrangements.