Merle J. Caldwell, 83, of Macomb, formerly of Industry, died at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 1, 2010, at Elms Nursing Home in Macomb.Merle J. Caldwell, 83, of Macomb, formerly of Industry, died at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 1, 2010, at Elms Nursing Home in Macomb.
He was born June 7, 1927, in Schuyler County, a son of Harold and Beulah Pickinpaugh Caldwell. He married Hope Reeder on March 13, 1949, in Rushville. She survives.
Also surviving are four sons, Steve Caldwell (and friend Sue Watson) and Dennis (and Koreen) Caldwell, all of Macomb, Rev. Rodney (and Denise) Caldwell of Winslow and Ron (and Denise) Caldwell of Pittsfield; three sisters, Alleyne Bartlow and Carol Jean (and Paul) Rowland, all of Macomb and Joyce Spring of North Henderson; 13 grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one son, James Caldwell; and three brothers, Ernest, Bradford and Louis Caldwell.
He was a farmer in Schuyler County area until 1985. At that time, he and his wife split their time between Mission, Texas and Branson, Mo., where he worked for the city maintenance department for 10 years.
He was a member of First Baptist Church in Littleton before transferring his membership to Doddsville United Methodist Church. He also was a member of Schuyler County Farm Bureau.
Services were held Tuesday at Wood Funeral Home in Rushville with David Haney and Pastor Jon Keck officiating. Burial was in Littleton Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Doddsville United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.woodfh.net.