In Memory Of
William M. Caldwell
1931
2012
William M. Caldwell
September 5, 1931 — March 3, 2012
William "Bill" Merrell Caldwell, 80, of Topeka, passed away March 3, 2012, at Midland Hospice Care. Bill was born September 5, 1931, in Alden, Kansas, to Fred C. and Mable Merrell Caldwell. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Viola; daughter, Vicki Fisher (Carl); son, William D. (Holly); sister, Phyllis Rainbolt; brother, Bob (Reola); four grandchildren, Lisa Eddis (Craig), Julie Venables (Brent), Josh Caldwell (Jolene), Sarah McLaughlin (Jason); and nine great grandchildren.
Bill worked 41 years for AT&SF. When he retired in 1989, his family members had invested 211 years with Santa Fe. He joined Santa Fe in 1948 as an apprentice telegrapher. After holding the position of agent telegrapher at Johnson, Manter and Sterling, Kansas, he was named Supervisory Agent in Hutchinson and eight years later in Denver, Colorado. While in Denver, he was advanced to Assistant Trainmaster Agent at Big Lift, Colorado. His final position before retiring was Station Supervisor, Eastern Lines headquartered in Topeka. During the four years in Sterling, Kansas, he was active in community affairs, serving on the City Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and as Mayor. He spoke often of Sterling and of the highlights in those four years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners.
A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Midland Care Hospice Services, especially Mollie Kearney.
Bill worked 41 years for AT&SF. When he retired in 1989, his family members had invested 211 years with Santa Fe. He joined Santa Fe in 1948 as an apprentice telegrapher. After holding the position of agent telegrapher at Johnson, Manter and Sterling, Kansas, he was named Supervisory Agent in Hutchinson and eight years later in Denver, Colorado. While in Denver, he was advanced to Assistant Trainmaster Agent at Big Lift, Colorado. His final position before retiring was Station Supervisor, Eastern Lines headquartered in Topeka. During the four years in Sterling, Kansas, he was active in community affairs, serving on the City Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and as Mayor. He spoke often of Sterling and of the highlights in those four years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners.
A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Midland Care Hospice Services, especially Mollie Kearney.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William M. Caldwell, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 1
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors